In Five questions with wine expert Claudia Tyagi, the Detroit Free Press asks Master Sommelier* Claudia Tyagi about selecting Michigan wines to go with a Thanksgiving dinner. She recommends a few and says:

I always like Riesling with turkey, although with poultry Chardonnay would be beautiful. You have a lot of versatility and a lot of possibility with turkey. You could use a white wine or an aromatic wine. Those tend to go well with turkey, too.

Click through to read the rest and you might also want to try this recipe for roasting your turkey with white wine & rosemary.

Photo: Ciccone by Kiran Bhat

*Wikipedia's Sommelier entry explains that a sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional who specializes in all aspects of wine service. Since the Master Sommelier Diploma was introduced in 1969, 171 people from around the world had become Master Sommeliers by 2009. Of these there were 74 active Master Sommeliers in the Americas.

Claudia is one of three in the state of Michigan, and her observations can be found at twitter.com/Winegenie. Get many more Thanksgiving ideas at absolutemichigan.com/Thanksgiving.

Autumn Pathways by pentax hammer (gary syrba)

The crowds and traffic have subsided, the harvests are bountiful and the mosquitoes are few and far between. What we're trying to say is that autumn is perfect time to get out and enjoy a color tour, take in a late season festival or event, go camping or hit some of Michigan's numerous wineries and pick up a few bottles for holiday gifts or get-togethers.

MyNorth.com produced a great video a while back that takes you on a tour of Northern Michigan's wine country and we think it is worth a watch and will entice you to plan a visit. On that note we should point out that Absolute Michigan is giving away a pair of tickets for the Toast the Season wine trail event which takes place on the Leelanau Peninsula on November 14 & 15.

MyNorth.com Video: Sit Back and Tour Northern Michigan's Wine Country

Hoping to get one more wine tour in this summer? Or maybe you're envisioning those glorious fall days when wine is an excellent excuse to drive through our wine country. Sit back and get some ideas as we visit Chateau Grand Traverse (cgtwines.com) on the Old Mission Peninsula; Traverse City's urban wineries, Left Foot Charley (leftfootcharley.com) at The Village in Grand Traverse Commons (old state hospital grounds) and Black Star Farms (blackstarfarms.com) in the Mercato, also in the Commons (Black Star also has its winery just south of Suttons Bay); and Shady Lane Cellars (shadylanecellars.com) near Suttons Bay.

Enjoy watching the lush landscape as the vintners each tell us what makes them unique and what it is like growing and selling wine in Northern Michigan.

Also be sure to check out our monthly calendars on Absolute Michigan's home page as well as keywords Halloween, maze, pumpkin, cider and more!

Leelanau Tarts (fo-lomo) by farlane

Old Orchard Brands debuts 'Very Cherre' premier line of cherry juice on mLive begins:

Move over exotic pomegranate, acai and mangosteen. The All-American tart cherry could be the next rage in superhealthy “superfruits.”

Old Orchard Brands is giving the simple pie fruit a chic makeover with its introduction of a premier line of juices called Very Cherre.

The Sparta-based fruit juice company will debut the 100 percent tart cherry juice product this week at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, J.W. Marriott and other Amway properties. There, Very Cherre — available in Pure Tart Cherry and three cherry blends — will be added to sauces, mixed in cocktails and sold in gift shops.

“I think it’s a superb product,” said Gerhard Schmied, vice president/director of food and beverage for the Amway Hotel Collection. “It’s from our own backyard. I can’t emphasize how important that is.”

Very Cherre juice is made from Montmorency tart cherries grown in the Leelanau Peninsula. The northern Michigan region is the biggest producer of the Montmorency cherries.

Read the rest at mLive and check out verycherre.com - kind of cool to see a private company promoting their product AND the region it's grown in! (especially since it's in Michigan!)

Local Apples by nasunto

Fall is here and that means it is once again time to enjoy Michigan's largest and most valuable crop - the apple. With temperatures unseasonably flirting with the freezing point, the race is on to harvest the prized fruit. Adding to this challenge is the fact that Michigan is enjoying it's largest crop in nearly 10 years with an expected crop of 26 million bushels compared to the typical crop of 20 million bushels. The uptick in the number of bushels has been attributed to this year's cool temperatures and more than average rain.

Michigan Farms & Mills

Fresh is the air in the orchards. Fresh are the fruits and vegetables we pick ourselves. Fresh is the fun we have with our families on a visit to Michigan’s farms and mills. This is the refreshing way to answer questions like “Mom, where do apples come from?” This is where open-air markets and u-pick farms enliven our recipes. This is the true meaning of the phrase: farm fresh. So let’s visit the farms and mills. Because nothing refreshes our lives like Pure Michigan.

Check out the huge list of Michigan farms and mills from PureMichigan.org.

Some Michigan Apple Quick Facts - check out more at the Michigan Apple Committee website.

• Apples are Michigan’s largest and most valuable fruit crop, with a value of about $100 million annually to the apple grower.
• Value-added marketing and processing enhance the economic contribution of Michigan Apples up to $700 million of economic impact annually.
• There are over 7.5 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 37,000 acres, on 950 family-run farms throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
• Small family farmers who operate their own orchards dominate the Michigan apple industry. According to statistics, 99 percent of Michigan orchards had fewer than 100 acres in apples.
• Longtime favorite varieties still dominate Michigan’s orchards. The most prevalent variety remains the Red Delicious, followed closely by the Golden Delicious. The Gala is rapidly gaining on tradition, however.
• The Honeycrisp variety is continually growing in popularity. Look for it in September and October, and enjoy it while you can, as it will most likely be gone by mid-November! A growing number of Honeycrisp tree plantings still aren’t in pace with its popularity among consumers! Honeycrisp has a crisp, juicy bite and a sweet flavor. They are best for fresh eating and also a great addition to salads!

New Kid on the Branch

A newcomer to Michigan's apple varieties is the SeeTango. MyNorth.com takes a at this much anticipated arrival in their article - The SweeTango Apple Makes Its Northern Michigan Debut.

Five Northern Michigan apple growers were among the first in the country to plant and harvest the world’s newest designer apple, the SweeTango. The apple, developed at the University of Minnesota, is a cross between the crispy, juicy Honeycrisp (the must-have apple of the last decade, also developed by the University of Minnesota) and the sweet flavored Zestar apple. The SweeTango is "a fabulous piece of fruit," says Mark Evans of Evans Brothers Fruit Company in Frankfort, one of the five Northern Michigan members of the Next Big Thing, the SweeTango growers’ cooperative.

SweeTango - A Sneak Preview

Find out all kinds of interest information about apples at the Michigan Apple Committee's website including the history of apples, the growers and the most popular varieties.

Little do most people realize that there are actually thousands of apple varieties and Michigan has many antique apple farms who strive to preserve them. Absolute Michigan's own Andrew McFarlane took note of one such orchard, Christmas Cove Farm in Leelanau in his article - Antique Apples.

Over on Michigan in Pictures there's a cool old apple picking photo from Old Mission in the 1890s courtesy the Archives of Michigan.

Check out more apple related information and websites using Absolute Michigan keyword apple.

Michigan Apple Recipes

Honey Crisp Apple and Endive Salad with Maple Apple Vinaigrette - via Great lakes chef extraordinaire Eric Villegas

Double Apple Galette - via Great lakes chef extraordinaire Eric Villegas

Barbeque "Mopping" Sauce W/Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple and Jalapeno - via Great lakes chef extraordinaire Eric Villegas

Ginger Apple Stir Fry - via Taste the Local Difference

Grilled Chicken with Apples and Feta - via Taste the Local Difference

Apple Lime Salsa - via Taste the Local Difference

My Life In the Bush of Ghosts by DaddyNewt

Be afraid, be very afraid!!! Once again our Fearsome Finder of Frights has compiled a list of haunted houses, corn mazes and scary attractions. You can also check Absolute Michigan keyword haunted and (as always) if you know of one we missed, please post it in the comments!

Spooky Quotes

'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. ~William Shakespeare

Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,
Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween!" ~ Dexter Kozen

Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title. ~Shaggy from Scooby-Doo

History of Halloween - Wikipedia

Halloween has origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain [pronounced: sow- wen] (Irish pronunciation: [ˈsˠaunʲ]; from the Old Irish samhain, possibly derived from Gaulish samonios). The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year". Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient Celtic pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Celts believed that on October 31st, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the living and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, into which the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks being worn at Halloween goes back to the Celtic traditions of attempting to copy the evil spirits or placate them, in Scotland for instance where the dead were impersonated by young men with masked, veiled or blackened faces, dressed in white

Halloween Celebrations Rise as Consumers Look to Escape Everyday Realities - via National Retail Federation

The spookiest holiday of the year may bring a bit of needed relief to consumers and retailers. According to the National Retail Federation’s Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, more consumers plan to celebrate the holiday this year (64.5% vs. 58.7%). This year, the average person plans to spend $66.54 on the holiday, up from $64.82 one year ago. Total Halloween spending for 2008 is estimated to reach $5.77 billion.

Paranormal resources and groups in Michigan

Michigan's Otherside - Your guide to Michigan's paranormal world & beyond

Haunted Places in Michigan

Haunted Michigan

Haunted Travels of Michigan

West Michigan Ghost Hunters Society

SE Michigan Ghost Hunters Society

Ghost Hunters of Southern Michigan

Motor City Haunt Club

Find a pumpkin patch near you

The U-Pick Farms & Farmer's Market 2009 Directory

"This Is Halloween" - from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"

The 2009 Michigan Haunted Houses, Mazes & Attractions List - We have to caution you that many of these sites are graphic - parental guidance is advised!

Amazing Acres Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm - Edwardsburg
Amazing Acres Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm is a truly unique family entertainment experience. Take some time this Fall to make memories that will last a lifetime. The farm is over 90 acres and is packed with events for every member of the family, young or old. Explore the 14 acre corn maze with over 3.5 miles of paths. Keep a watchful eye for the 12 hidden check points! The Maze is available both Day and Night!

Amazing Corn Maze - Leonard
Can You Find Your Way Out?

Bestmaze - Williamston/Webberville
If another maze you are interested in will not put their picture on the website there is a reason!!! We have had a system in place for years of sweeping through our maze at end of each night. Even if we have no cars in the Bestmaze lot we still sweep through the maze in case a few kids were dropped off and parents went to Mc Donald's.

Blake's Nighttime Spooky hayride & 3 Story Haunted Barn - Armada
Imagine yourself on a journey through acres of unspeakable fiendish ghouls, special effects, laser beams, strobe lights, and unimaginable horror. Then you've found yourself in the midst of Michigan's larger than life Blake's Nighttime Spooky Hayride. If you survive that then you'll be dared to find your way through Michigan's only 3-Level Haunted Barn and Black Hole. Don't forget the free cider and donuts at the witches cauldron on the hayride! If you survive Blake's Halloween terrors, you can calm your nerves around one of the many bonfires.

Castle of the Dead - Roseville
The Halloween Season is fast approaching! If you haven't experienced the Castle... you have yet to experience true fear! I dare you to compare! NO haunted house can match the fear of the CASTLE OF THE DEAD!!!!!

Circus Park Corn Maze - Clio
This years theme is "Down on the Farm" in honor of our Illustrious Potentate Ivan C. Sparks. There are 2 mazes in our 10 acre field. Come on out and get lost! We will have flashlights available for you nighttime adventures and our nightly campfire will be roaring to warm you up on those chilly evenings.

ChelseaMaze - Chelsea
Our challenging maze has trivia signs and 3 separate entrances that promote competition and teamwork.

Crots Corn Maze - Ottawa Lake
We're open from September 19 through November 1, 2009 Saturday and Sunday Only!

Deadly Intentions - Warren
Our Only Goal is to Scare You to Death

Depner Farms Corn Maze - Caseville
"MaZe-O-Saurus" opened on August 7th and our return visitors are saying it's more corn-fusing than ever! We'll be here
each Saturday and Sunday 'til November 1st, so come on down and GET LOST for a half-a-day or maybe more Open Saturdays & Sundays 'til November 1st!

Erebus Haunted Attraction - Pontiac
World's Largest Walk Though Haunted House

Erwin's Barn of Horrors & Terrorfying Corn Maze - South Lyon
Erwin’s Barn of Horrors with the Mystery of the Black Hole! "Where Evil Stalks"

Exit 13 - Mt. Morris
Flint Area's Preeminent Haunted House

Empire Eagles Field of Screams - Empire
A haywagon ride through a haunted Leelanau fores, always the last 2 weekends of October and Halloween.

Fear Farm - Casco
Corn Fun Family Farm has 2 challenging corn mazes with 4 miles of meandering trails, and for October we have added a new Haunted corn field!

Fun Acres Corn Maze - South Rockwood
Fun Acres Family Fun Farm is a seasonal agritourism adventure for families to learn and play. The combination of agriculture and entertainment is sure to both challenge and entertain your whole family!

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village - Greenfield Village
Step back in time to a turn-of-the-20th century Hallowe’en. Follow an endless path of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and meet colorful characters along the way. Feel the whoosh as the headless horseman rides by, banter with a clever witch, and make stops at several treat stations spread throughout Greenfield Village. It’s frightfully fun for the whole family! Members of The Henry Ford receive discount admission and an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets in advance.

Haunted Barn and Wagon of Fear - Mason
Enter if you dare the Haunted Barn maybe you'll be able to make it through to enjoy the next day or maybe not. Our barn is well over a hundred years old and has seen many strange things, if it could only talk or ... can it. We have many souls in the barn from the century past. Some farm animal souls still linger; they join us now and then. This time they're not on the dinner menu. Be prepared to experience a screaming good time.

Haunted Corn Maze - Bloomfield Hills
three mazes of varying conveniently located on eight acres at Bloomfield Hills Scholls' Historic Bowers Farm.

Haunted Farm of Terror - Lexon Township
Haunted Farm of Terror in Lenox TWP offers over 20 acres of haunted hayrides, corn mazes, horror movies, tasty treats and haunted houses for your haunted Halloween pleasure!

Haunted Hallows - Westland
Acres of Hair Raising Spooky Attractions

Heck of a Corn Maze - Monroe
More than 8 acres! Open weekends September 12 - October 31

HellBlock13 - Wyandotte
You’ve heard the legends and told the rumors. Now find out the truth for yourself. With over 13,000 square feet and indoor waiting, this twisted twisting labyrinth of fear and torment will have your eyes bulging, skin crawling and heart pounding. See if you can break free from the imprisoned demons that are ready to pass judgment on your soul.

Jackson’s Underworld - Jackson
Jackson’s Underworld, were you’ll uncover the soft underbelly of the most impressive animatronics and props not found in any other haunt in Michigan. As you trudge through the massive 30,000 sq ft, keep to the path, we wouldn’t want you to get lost.

Jacob's Corn Maze - Traverse City
We are located 3.5 Miles from West Grand Traverse Bay off M-72. Our farm is on the left, on the hill, has a big silo, and is just past the big windmill!

Krazy Hilda's Barn of Doom & Coleman's Corn Maze - Saline
Be There If You Dare My Pretty...

Miller's Big Red Haunted Hayride - Washington
The wagon pulls out once again as Miller's Big Red transforms the orchard into a foggy playground filled with 9 foot monsters, creatures of the night, and the Demon of Doom. Will you spot them before they spot you?

Morrow Road Haunted Trail & Hayride - Clay
The Morrow Road Film is having another Haunted Trail & Hayride! This fundraiser event will offer a chance to meet the director of the film, and the trail is even longer than last year's in a brand new location! And the hayride will take those brave enough to the actual haunted road at night.

Motor City Massacre - Roseville
Haunted House & Maze of Horror

New Salem Corn Maze - Dorr
Bring the whole family on down for the fall fun extravaganza! Activities include: hay rides, our corn maze, petting zoo, childrens corn maze, 5 acre pumpkin patch, and alot more!!

Night Terrors - Ypsilanti
Beware! This is not just another haunted house! The grounds of Wiard's Orchards south of Ypsilanti, Michigan (near Ann Arbor, in Washtenaw County) are said to be truly haunted. The history of these lands has lived in haunted houses of Michigan lore for centuries. Those who have dared to set foot on the haunted grounds of this old orchard say they can still hear the howling sounds of the night. At least it's been said by the few brave souls who have survived, and the fear will always live on with them. There comes a time in each of our lives when we must face our fears and face the terror of these haunted lands. What's your Fear? Is it the dark? Is it death? Is it the old neighborhood haunted house? Or is it just the unknown? Be prepared to confront those fears at one or all of the Wiard chilling haunted attractions: the Ultimate Haunted Barn, the Asylum, The Mineshaft, Hayrides of the Lost, The Labyrinth and Alien Caged Clowns. Because at Night Terrors WE PUT TERROR IN YOUR FACE!! We're NOT just another haunted house in Michigan!

Phantasmagoria - Okemos
Lansing Area's Premiere Haunted House

Saint Lucifer's Haunted Asylum - Flint
Mid-Michigan's Top Scare

Salem's Haunted Barn - Capac
4000 square feet of Terror

Scarefest Scream Park - Lenox Township
Featuring the Hayride of Doom and Forest of Darkness & Terror Zone Maze!! Metro Detroit's Halloween Park.

Slaughtered at Sundown - Armada
Glimpse the Grim Face of Death

Slaughterhouse, Haunted Maze & Blood Bath & Beyond Hayride - Fowlerville
Haunted House - Corn Maze - Haunted Maze - Haunted Hayride

Spooky Trails - Swartz Creek
Corn maze and other haunted attractions...

S.S. City of Milwaukee Annual Ghost Ship - Manistee
Fridays & Saturdays in October (and Halloween) the 76 year old car ferry features four stories of unsettling oddities

Talladay Farms Corn Maze - Milan
Maps are in sealed envelopes and cost $1. We have checkpoints throughout the maze. If you get lost, you can find a checkpoint and look on your map at the correlating numbers to figure out where you are. If you make it through the mazes without opening the map, you get your dollar back. We will also have letters on the checkpoints. If you can find all of the checkpoints and write down each letter that is at the checkpoints, your name will be submitted for a grand prize drawing at the end of the season!

Terror in Townsend Forest - Clarkston
Dusk til Last Victim, ¼ Mile of TERROR Filled Forest Trails

Terrorfied Forest & Manor - Pinckney
Welcome to The Terrorfied Forest, Southeastern Michigan's Premier Outdoor Haunted Attraction. It's not for the faint of heart, This is TEEN & ADULT entertainment. The tall pines whisper for you to "come, Join your departed ancestors", as you walk among them.
Should you choose to ignore them, they have been known to emerge out of a tree and make off with your soul. You will never know when or where they will appear, but they will know where you are and strike at your most vulnerable moment.

The Crypt Haunted House - Burton
More thrills and chills than ever! It is in your face Crypt chilling! A haunted house with actors and more state of the art effects than any other haunt! Experience the black hole, claustrophobia & more, so beware of the Crypt! Not recommended for small children or sissies.

The Deadland Haunted House - Davison
Bring all your friends out to see what we have in store for you...

The Fear Factory - Mt. Clemens
30 Minutes of Relentless Bloody Terror

The Haunted Forest - Dryden
Take a guided 20 minute tour through the haunted forest. The forest is not recommended for children under ten.

The Haunted Winery - Farmington
"We Are Not Out To Make A Killing -We Just Want To Scare The Hell Out Of You!"

The Haunting - Adrian
A Haunted House to Die For

The Homer Mill - Homer
Ever Been So Scared the Hairs on the Back of Your Neck Stand Up?

The Lab - Grosse Ile
Called one of the best themed attractions in the U.S. by Haunted Attractions Magazine, The Lab boasts more scares per square foot than any other haunted attraction. Gen-Tech Laboratories is a secret government funded genetics lab, where something has gone wrong…very wrong. Mutants, freaks, zombies and 9-ft tall monsters roam the halls, along with all the demented doctors who are ready to use you as their next experiment in this interactive adventure.

The Scream Machine - Taylor
The Scream Machine IS BACK!! HAS BEEN REVAMPED AND EXPANDED!! With new special effects and scares for the 2009 season including BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND.. THE HELLEVATOR!! THIS PORTAL TO THE UNKNOWN takes you to the depths of your worst FEARS WERE NIGHTMARES AND REALITY COLLIDE.

Twist of Evil - Brownstown
Twist of Evil is Downriver's Premeir Haunted Attraction... THE PLACE THAT GIVES DEMONS NIGHTMARES!!

Uncle John's Cider Mill Corn Maze - St. Johns
Get lost in Uncle John’s 5-acre corn maze!

Westview Orchards Corn Maze - Washington
Well, you knew Tom Izzo was outstanding in his field ... so he's been honored with a six-acre corn maze in his image.

Katrina Schumacher, co-owner of Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm in Washington Township, said Izzo and Michigan State's Final Four run were the inspirations for the maze -- which proclaims him "Coach of the Ear." Ha!

Wrong Turn Campground & Bloody Butcher House! - Hudson
Hours: Dusk 'til whenever!

The Invitational Cookout portion of the festival features well-known chefs from throughout the Great Lakes Region, including:

• Chef Chris Pandel from The Bristol, Chicago
• Chef Matt Pietsch from Salt of the Earth, Fennville
• Chef Rob Hammond from Food Dance Café, Kalamazoo
• Chef Matthew Millar from New Holland Brewing Co., Holland
• Chef Chad Miller from Restaurant Bloom, Grand Rapids
• Chef Brian Perrone from Slows Bar BQ, Detroit (www.slowsbarbq.com)

“These chefs were hand-selected to compete in the PORKAPALOOZA Invitational Cookout because they share a common interest in the pursuit of culinary quality and a belief in championing local, sustainable lifestyles,” says Fred Bueltmann, Beervangelist at New Holland Brewing.

Each restaurant is asked to showcase at least one primary pork dish, as well as two regionally-influenced side dishes providing sourcing information that demonstrates the technique and provenance of their food.

The event will shine a light on some of the areas treasures, including not only the products available, but the creative energy of many local artisans and musicians. Well over 1000 people are expected to attend and organizers proudly practice earth-friendly ideals, showcasing the realities of sustainable living and entertaining.

Local beers and wines from New Holland Brewing Company and Fenn Valley Winery will make for pleasant pork pairings. New Holland will present Charkoota Rye – a smoked rye dopplebock brewed to celebrate PORKAPALOOZA and the art of charcuterie. They will bring a host of other beers including the autumn favorite Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, as well as Mad Hatter IPA, Full Circle, The Poet Oatmeal Stout and Dragon’s Milk barrel-aged ale. Fenn Valley, which is located adjacent to the fest site, will serve a selection of their favorite award-winning red and white wines.

Throughout the day, an impressive back-to-back line-up of entertainment will keep the toes tapping, including:

• Various David Teske
• 1:00pm Dave Boutette
• 2:00pm Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys
• 3:00pm HOG CALLING COMPETITION
• 3:30pm Ben Bueltmann & Pontchatrain
• 4:30pm Mark Duval & Two Track Mind
• 6:30pm Mountain Men
• 8:00pm Midtown Underground

Blankets, chairs and water coolers are welcome. The event is held in a grass field, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Guests are not allowed to bring food or alcohol into the event. All ages are welcome, but guests 21 and older will need to show ID to receive a wristband to consume alcohol. Special activities are also planned for the younger attendees.

Tickets are available now for PORKAPALOOZA and are $8 per person in advance ($12 the day of) with parking at $5 per car. Admission includes access to the unlimited live entertainment. Food and beverages are sold separately. Admission tickets are available online at http://pork.newhollandbrew.com or by visiting New Holland Brewing and other vendors to be listed on the website.

For more information about PORKAPALOOZA, contact New Holland Brewing at 616-355-NHBC.

Farmer's Market @ the Michigan Capitol by ChristineElise

In celebration of Michigan's rich agricultural history and farming tradition, Governor Granholm has designated September 13-19 "Select Michigan Week." In celebration of this special week, the Governor is personally inviting you to the "Select Michigan" Farmers' Market on Thursday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., which will be located on the east lawn of the State Capitol, rain or shine.

You can purchase fresh seasonal produce, including eggs, honey, grains, beans, jams, jellies, cut flowers, perennials, baked goods, wood products, and much, much more - all grown and processed in our state. If you can't attend the "Select Michigan" Farmer's Market on September 17, there are hundreds of farmers' markets in communities throughout the state where you can buy fresh produce and other items made in Michigan. By spending just $10 a week on Michigan products, we can keep nearly $40 million circulating in our economy each week. And, that's not small change.

Thursday's market coincides with Michigan's annual "Select Michigan Day," designated by the Michigan Legislature to raise awareness about local food and agriculture - Michigan's second largest industry. More than 200 commodities are grown in Michigan, contributing $71.3 billion to our state's economy annually and employing more than one million Michigan residents.

September 17 also kicks off the 2009 Michigan Harvest Gathering. In addition to purchasing Michigan foods for ourselves and our families, we can buy fresh, local products and also give local by contributing Michigan foods to local food banks. In doing so, we are helping our neighbors-in-need by providing them with fresh, local, healthy food. The Food Bank Council of Michigan will be on-site at the Select Michigan Farmers' Market, and I encourage you to make a purchase at the market and donate directly to the food bank.

Selecting Michigan-grown and Michigan-processed foods helps our economy, strengthens Michigan's family farms, improves the quality of life for our citizens in both rural and urban areas, and preserves the state's rich and diverse agricultural heritage.

Locally-grown food is fresher and supports Michigan's local communities by improving the economic, environmental, and social well-being of those communities and the state.

The farmers' market is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Food and Farming Systems, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, with additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association, the Food Bank Council of Michigan, and Michigan farmers and specialty crop producers. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Groeb, Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) 373-2469.

Saline Summer Sunflower Super Set...Sweet by Andy Tanguay

Throughout each month we post items of Michicentric interest to our Michitwitter page. In case you missed them here is a look back at just a few of those items for the month of August. If you find these interesting there are plenty more for you to check out. We encourage you to add any news items, events, links to vids, podcasts or whatever you find interesting about the Great Lakes State!

The photo featured in this post in from the Absolute Michigan flickr pool and is by Andy Tanguay. Andy has the following to say regarding his photo "Saline Summer Sunflower Super Set":

You know, I think a monkey hopped up on PCP could take a nice shot in this location. So here's mine...Ooo Ooo ooo Oooo ah ah ah.

A sunflower farm just west of Saline Mi at sun down. Literally miles and miles of blooming sunflowers right at their peak. The farmers are nice enough to post a sign saying help yourself to pictures, just don't take any flowers. The farmer came out to greet us. I guess all these go to feed...like bird seed and such.

We'd like to draw attention to two new excellent festivals that were held at the Grand Traverse Commons. Both the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival and the Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival were great successes and we encourage to check them out next year!

A Sampling from Michitwitter August 2009

The ongoing discussion of urban farming continues as mlive.com reports in - Food among the ruins: A compelling argument for urban farming in Detroit

Detroit may be the best positioned city in the world to become a totally self-sufficient city, according to investigative historian Mark Dowie.

In a piece this month for Guernica magazine, Dowie suggests that a combination of unique factors and opportunities make Detroit a prime location for urban farming to flourish.

With electric vehicles greatly gaining momentum as the future of the auto industry, Michigan is poised to reap big rewards and jobs. The freep.com reports - Battery grants could mean big job boost for Michigan

Michigan stands to get $1.36 billion of a $2.4-billion federal grant program designed to spur manufacturing of batteries and other components for electric vehicles in the United States, creating up to 6,800 jobs in the next 18 months and up to 40,000 in the state over the next 11 years.

The Freep also unveiled the much anticipated Chevy Volt and it's mind blowing projected m.pg. rating. Read - GM touts Volt with 230 m.p.g. city rating

The electric-drive Chevrolet Volt is expected to get a rating of at least 230 miles per gallon in city driving, General Motors Co. announced this morning.

The results come as GM pushes to bring the new technology to market in late next year. Later this week, the company is officially announcing its battery assembly pack plant in Brownstown Township.

The world lost a legend that had Michigan ties specifically in Kalamazoo. Read Legendary guitar-maker Les Paul left mark in Kalamazoo on mlive.com.

When Gibson Guitar's Parsons Street factory cranked out its last Les Paul guitar, Marvin Lamb had to have it.

Lamb started working for Gibson in 1956, at age 16.

He hand-drilled holes in the tops of early Les Pauls to screw in the stop tailpiece. He installed the first tune-o-matic bridges on the single-cutaway, solid-body guitars.

He sweated at 225 Parsons St., on Kalamazoo's north side, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Gibson employees made 200 to 300 Les Pauls a day.

Michigan's film incentive program is being debated and WZZM13.com brings us up to date in their article Bad for Michigan? Lawmaker wants to eliminate film incentive.

A battle over whether to keep Michigan's film incentives is about to begin at the state Capitol.

Tuesday morning, several production workers will rally in Lansing to show legislators that they believe the incentives are worth continuing.

Proponents of the film incentive program have strong views of why it needs to stay. Read Backers say talk of film credit cuts costing Michigan in the Detroit News.

Film executives and producers say talk in Lansing of reducing or eliminating Michigan's aggressive film tax incentive is causing Hollywood's bankrollers to hesitate before investing in the Great Lakes State.

Already, industry insiders say, the state has lost hundreds of millions in film spending to other states since talk of cutting or scrapping the credit surfaced late last year, a charge led by Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, chairwoman of the State Finance Committee. Others warn that cutting the credit could push business away from Michigan's fledgling industry simply because there hasn't been enough time to build a sufficient infrastructure -- studios and such -- capable of supporting long-term business.

Michigan rock-roll bad boy Kid Rock is pure Michigan and continues to put his money where his mouth is. Check out Kid Rock chips in $20K to rev up Arts, Beats & Eats in the Freep.

Kid Rock has stepped up with a crucial assist for Arts, Beats & Eats.

The Oakland County rocker has invested about $20,000 in sponsor funds via his fashion line, Made in Detroit, helping defray costs for one of the area’s signature fests.

AB&E, which runs Sept. 4-7 in downtown Pontiac, had lost more than $400,000 in funding this year, mostly because of Chrysler’s pullout from its title sponsor role.

Also check out the vid below, "Kid Rock: Detroit's angel?" from cnn.com.

In a move that dumbfounded local residents Peta announced that they want to commandeer Grand Haven's lighthouse to promote vegetarianism and the unethical treatment of fish. The Detroit News reports PETA wants Grand Haven lighthouses for fish empathy center.

Grand Haven's Lake Michigan lighthouses are the prime location sought by an animal rights group for its anti-fishing campaign headquarters.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has applied through a federal program to take over the structures and lighted catwalk that are frequently photographed for dramatic sunsets, thick winter ice and crashing waves.

The area gets nearly 2 million annual visitors, including anglers casting lines into the Grand River channel and heading out in boats for Great Lakes salmon.

"We want to renovate the Grand Haven lights as a memorial to the billions of fish killed annually by sport fishermen, as well as for their flesh (commercial fishing industry)," said Lindsey Rajt, manager of PETA's campaigns department. "We also want to make it a fun and educational place."

AJ's Music Cafe in Ferndale made the Guinness Book of World Records in August. Read Ferndale cafe sets record for longest concert in the Detroit News.

A little cafe in downtown Ferndale has set a Guinness World Record.

AJ's Music Cafe was notified Wednesday that its 288-hour Assembly Line Concert, held in March to promote awareness of American automakers, set a new Guinness World Record for the longest continuous concert by multiple artists.

Automakers recently saw some positive movement which is good news for Michigan. Read J.D. Power predicts U.S. auto sales will hit 1 million in August.

A leading automotive research company is predicting that U.S. monthly auto sales will rise above the 1 million mark for the first time this year in August, due mainly to the government's Cash for Clunkers program.

If you like apples 2009 is offering up a bumper crop. Check out Michigan apple harvest quite the treat in the Detroit News.

Branches of Michigan apple trees are bowing under the weight of the healthiest crop in at least 10 years.

Ideal weather conditions -- cool temperatures and lots of rain -- have apple growers anticipating one of the state's best seasons since the 1990s, according to the Michigan Apple Committee, and that could mean lower prices at the grocery store.

The Detroit News reports some good news for the Great Lakes in their article $1 billion proposed in 2010 for Great Lakes restoration.

Congress is poised to nearly double its funding commitment to the Great Lakes, adding up to $475 million for restoration that would deter invasive species, clean up polluted sites and create jobs in Michigan and the region.

Potatoes by rdmeg

by Jeannine Taylor, Community Outreach Coordinator, Grand Traverse County Health Department

One potato. Two potato. Three potato. New potato? What in the world is a new potato?

No, they're not a strange new breed of alien-like vegetables with spirally nodules protruding from their fluorescent green skin. They are actually any variety of young, immature potato that is harvested not long after the plant flowers, usually in the spring or summer.

fingerlings by redmudball

So what's the fuss all about? New potatoes have very thin skin that can sometimes be rubbed off with your fingers. They are high in moisture content and have a particularly creamy texture. Often cooked whole with the skin left on, they are well suited for boiling, steaming and roasting.

The downside is that they have a very short shelf life and should be used within a few days of harvesting. They typically cannot be stored, so you won’t find “true" new potatoes on your grocery store shelf. Baby red skinned potatoes are often confused for new potatoes, but in actuality, they have to go through a hardening process in order to be stored properly and to survive the long journey to grocery stores.

Regardless, these sweet and tasty morsels are so tender and delicately flavored they’ll melt in your mouth.

Tasting Tent II by farlane

The 2009 Epicurean Classic takes place St. Joseph August 28 - 30, 2009. It's one of the premier annual celebrations of culinary artisanship, drawing big name chefs from around the nation and world who lead classes & cooking presentations and mingle in a relaxed and unimaginably tasty setting. Add in wines and wineries from all over the world and food & kitchen supply vendors sampling their wares and you will see why many people count this as one of Michigan's signature events.

Enjoy a taste of the Epicurean Classic in this video from Scott Allman Productions and be sure to attend - you will not be sorry!

“Buy Local, Buy Fresh — Select Michigan” Farmers' Market

It’s summertime in Michigan, and that means it’s fresh produce season! You are invited to a special “Buy Local, Buy Fresh -- Select Michigan” farmers’ market on the east lawn of the State Capitol. This year's event takes place on Thursday July 23rd.

The market is held at the Capitol, and with 50 vendors signed up to participate, this year’s market will be bigger and better than ever! Local farmers and specialty food producers from across Michigan will offer their locally grown, processed and manufactured products for sale, including fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, wool products, grains, beans, jams, jellies, baked goods, lamb, Lake Superior whitefish, flowers, plants, specialty foods, and much more.

Buying locally means you receive fresher, high quality foods, and these local purchases support our farmers, agri-businesses, rural communities, and our state's economy. In fact, if every Michigan household spent just $10 per week on Michigan-produced food, it would generate nearly $40 million each and every week. Whether this is your first trip to the Select Michigan farmers market, or you are a return shopper, come and experience the benefits of local foods firsthand.

The farmers’ market is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture; Michigan Food and Farming Systems; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, with additional support from the Michigan Farmers’ Market Association, the Food Bank Council of Michigan and Michigan farmers and specialty food producers. If you have questions, please contact Jeanne Lipe, Michigan Department of Agriculture, at 517/373-9790.

For a listing of community farmers’ markets, local on-farm markets, and u-pick establishments in our state, visit www.michigan.gov/mda-upick. The Michigan Farmers’ Market Association also has a listing of community farmers’ markets on its Web site at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.

urban hope by buckshot.jones

Throughout each month we post items of Michicentric interest to our Michitwitter page. In case you missed them here is a look back at just a few of the items for the month June. If you find these interesting there are plenty more for you to check out. We encourage you to add any news items, events, links to vids, podcasts or whatever you find interesting about the Great Lakes State!

The photo featured in this post is from the Absolute Michigan Flickr pool and was shot by the very talented buckshot.jones. He states:

This little garden is on the near west side of Detroit. The significance for me is it may very well be on an empty lot where one of my mother's childhood homes once stood. I also find it significant because it makes a statement about the resourcefulness of the folks in Detroit- a turning lemons into lemonade kind of a thing. Around the corner, right off Cass Avenue, sits a vacant corner lot. The locals have salvaged old couches and discarded auto bench seats and have fashioned a small park with the make- do seating placed under of the shade of a few low hanging maple trees.

A Sampling from Michitwitter June 2009

The folks attempting to save Tiger Stadium lost their fight in preventing the demolition and the Freep let us know in their article Detroit commission votes to level Tiger Stadium.

A Detroit city commission has voted to demolish the section of Tiger Stadium left standing after much of the historic ballpark was knocked down last year.

The city’s Economic Development Corp. board voted 7-1 today to authorize the complete demolition of the stadium.

We often talk about how the buy local revolution and urban farming is gaining popularity and that farming is once again becoming a viable career choice. The State News ran the article More students opting to take on farming opportunities in summer, as career choices.

Growing up in metro Detroit, Adam Montri, outreach coordinator for the MSU Student Organic Farm, didn’t consider farming to be a career choice. “I definitely grew up in the suburbs and thought of agriculture as something you did on the weekend or after school or that kind of thing,” he said. Now, Montri, who graduated from MSU in 2001, owns his own organic farm in Bath, Mich.

In our state's quest to harness the power of wind a report was released that the Thumb area is ranked #1. From Crains Detroit Business West Michigan, Thumb best for wind energy, report says

Three regions in West Michigan and one region in the Thumb area have the state’s highest potential for wind energy projects, according to a report released Tuesday by a state board.

We were shown a ray of light shining through the darkness of our current economic quagmire. The Freep reported Economist: Michigan to start to recover in 2010

Comerica Bank's chief economist predicted today that Michigan's battered economy will finally start to recover next year, aided by a rebound in the national economy.

In another positive story on Michigan's economic turnaround Michigan.gov announced Granholm Announces Companies Investing Over $247 Million, Creating More Than 11,000 New Jobs in Michigan

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan's aggressive strategy to diversify the economy and attract investment to Michigan has resulted in 15 job-creating projects, which will generate more than 11,125 new jobs, retain another 846 and bring more than $247 million in new investment to communities across the state.

One of the more interesting and unusual biit of news came from mlive.com in their story University of Michigan researchers find clues at bottom of Lake Huron to ancient hunters

University of Michigan researchers have found the first archaeological evidence of ancient human hunting activity preserved under the Great Lakes.

Using detailed government data on lake floor topography, a research vessel and a remote mini-rover equipped with a camera, scientists found what they believe are hunting pits, camps and rock structures called caribou "drive lines" on the bottom of Lake Huron.

Much discussion has been made of late that the revitalization of our auto industry would be to go back to square one and the inventors, entrepeneurs and small company jump into the game for some fresh thoughts. Wired.com brought us Tesla Motors Founder: Let Me Run Detroit

Elon Musk has tackled electric cars, space ships and modular renewable energy stations. Now he wants a real challenge: running Detroit.

“When the mess gets sorted out, I’d like to have a conversation with whoever’s in charge at the time — the car czar or whoever — and say ‘I’d like to run your plants, if you don’t mind,’” Musk said, starting that conversation Monday at Wired’s first-ever business conference, Disruptive by Design in Manhattan.

Last but not lease Detroit's art community received some huge support and encouragement. The Detroit News reported Kresge Foundation steps up gifts to Detroit causes

Call it an artist's jackpot, or a clever gambit to help Michigan hold on to some of its best creative talent.

Today, 18 Detroit-area artists officially will win $25,000 each, the first awards of an unprecedented no-strings-attached annual fellowship program designed to keep the area's top visual artists from leaving the state in search of greener pastures.

Salad by by jpwbee

Taste the Local Difference says that leafy greens are ready to pick! Greens are an excellent source of iron, calcium, Vitamins A and C, and folic acid and also very high in dietary fiber and low in calories and sodium. What's not to love?? Here's a few fun facts about greens:

• Swiss chard is also known as white beet, strawberry spinach, seakale beet, leaf beet, Sicilian beet, spinach beet, Chilean beet, Roman kale, perpetual spinach, silverbeet and mangold!
• Arugula is known as “rocket” in some parts of Europe.
• Lettuce is a member of the sunflower family.

Untitled by Ken Scott

Herbed Baked Greens

2 egg whites
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1//2 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
1/3 cup lemon juice
¼ tsp. crushed rosemary
salt to taste
3 cups cooked, chopped greens
2 Tbsp. minced onions
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 ½ cups grated low-fat cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Oil an 8-inch square glass baking pan. In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites with oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, rosemary, and salt. Gently stir greens, onions, rice, and cheese into egg white mixture, then turn into prepared pan. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. 4-6 servings.

While we're on the topic, here's Seth Bernard & May Erlewine singing about greens!

Bee by ssstephanie!

Agriculture is Michigan's second largest industry (maybe now it's our first), contributing more than $71 billion to the state's economy. Due to this we feel it is fitting that we bring awareness to National Pollinator Week which runs from June 22 to the 28th.

Michigan Agriculture Fast Facts

For some fast facts on Michigan's agriculture economy check out "A Look at Michigan Agriculture"(pdf document). Not mentioned in the document is our burgeoning grape and wine industry.

According to the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council website:

Michigan's wine, grapes and grape juice products and related industries ...

... produced nearly $790 million of total economic value to the State of Michigan in 2005

... paid more than $42 million in state and local taxes in Michigan, and an additional $42 million in federal taxes

... account for more than 5,000 jobs across the state, for a payroll of more than $190 million

Info from Pollinator Partnership:

Pollination is vital to our survival and the existence of nearly all ecosystems on earth. 80% of the world's crop plants depend on pollination. Pollinators, almost all of which are insects, are indispensable partners for an estimated 1 out of every 3 mouthfuls of food, spices and condiments we eat, and the beverages we drink. They are essential to the fibers we use, the medicines that keep us healthy, and more than half of the world's diet of fats and oils. Insect pollinators, including honey bees, pollinate products amounting to $20 billion annually in the U.S. alone.

Visit their website for more information...

Also, check out the Michigan Beekeepers Association for some great information on our much needed insect friends....

emil hates rhubarb by yodraws

Taste the Local Difference says that rhubarb is in season. They note that rhubarb is high in Vitamins A and C, calcium and fiber and that one cup of diced rhubarb contains about 26 calories. It's often called the "pie plant and for centuries, the dried root of the plant was used for healing purposes and so prized that Russian czars had a state monopoly over "crown" rhubarb. The leaves of rhubarb contain oxalic acid and are unsafe to eat in quantity (so don't).

Whenever I hear rhubarb, I think about strawberry-rhubarb pie and also baseball announcers saying we've got a real rhubarb on the diamond". I wondered about that (because that's apparently what i get paid to do) and found the best explanation of the origins of that slang and a whole ton more about rhubarb at everything2.com:

Today a rhubarb is synonymous with melees and free for alls, but in Shakespeare's day when a play called for a crowd scene, the director gathered an assembly of actors and had them noisily mutter something akin to "Rhu-bar-bar, rhu-bar-bar ,rhu-bar-bar, which reverberated through the theatre like the sounds of an angry horde. " Try it. I'll bet you sound pretty threatening,  especially if you've got a couple of friends with you. From this "rhubarb" eventually came to be theatrical slang for "commotion." Rhubarb meant 'to make crowd noises', and actors who did it  were called "rhubarbers." This standard stage practice then became a verb "rhubarbing", eventually "rhubarb" came to mean, "fight."

I think we were talking about rhubarb as food, though, so here's a recipe for Lizzy’s Rhubarb Bread from MyNorth.com:

Tag Team by dailyinvention

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2/3 cup oil
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups finely diced rhubarb (or more to taste)

Topping:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation:

Mix together all bread ingredients. Pour into two 6-inch greased and floured loaf pans. Before baking, mix together and sprinkle topping over batter. Bake at 325°F for 40 to 60 minutes or until an inserted broom straw [or toothpick] comes out clean. Makes two 6-inch loaves.

For all things rhubarb visit the rhubarb compendium website...

On the photo above, Stefan writes: My grandparents do almost everything together. They're inseparable and an unstoppable team when it comes to making rhubarb pie.

Ann Arbors Farmers Market by RichardD72

As the buy local revolution continues to build steam we are seeing more and more farmers markets popping up around the state. This is a great situation for such an agriculturally based state and it shows that there is not only a great demand for the products but also a desire to support our local farmers. More importantly we all get to eat fresher, tastier healthier food which once you try you will always buy given the option. Browse the paragraphs below for information on farmers markets and their impact around Michigan.

A great place to get started is the Grown and Produced in Michigan site from the MDA and visit the Michigan Farm Market and Agri-tourism Association (MI-FMAT) whose website states:

Agriculture is part of the heritage of Michigan and is the second largest factor in our economy. Michigan farm markets, organic farms, maple syrup producers, wineries and u-pick farms and orchards are all there to welcome visitors for fun on the farm. A tour of Michigan farms could include a creamery, cider mill, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, plant nursery or a tree farm. There is nothing like a day in the Michigan countryside for fresh air, fresh vegetables or maybe a little wine tasting at a Michigan vineyard. All of these are available in a very short trip and some Michigan farm markets are even open all year long. Don't forget seasonal treats like honey, cider and mushroom hunting.

Michigan State University hosts a great website with locations of markets around the state and also information on Michigan Food & Farming Association (MIFFS) and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).

Michigan Food and Farming Systems – MIFFS is a statewide, membership-based nonprofit organization whose purpose is to improve Michigan's triple bottom line: our economy, our environment and the social well being of our communities through sustainable agriculture initiatives.

The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) was formed in 2006 as a state-wide association to promote local food consumption in Michigan by connecting more farmers to consumers through farmers markets.

Also be sure to explore Michigan farm markets at Michigan.org and visit Taste the Local Difference which has a listing of farmer's markets in northwest lower Michigan and lets you know what's ready to pick all spring and summer long!

One way we're going to help you get local is with our Absolute Michigan Map. As one of our first projects, we've dug up some of Michigan's best local farmer's markets and laid them down on our Google map of Michigan. Just look for the jug of milk and apple icon (well, at least until we change it to something else).

You can also zoom in on the photo above - assortment by yodraws, check out the farmer's market slideshow in the Absolute Michigan pool or jump straight to Fulton Street Market on the Absolute Michigan Map.

For a ton more info and links on Michigan produce and farmers markets search Absolute Michigan keywords farmers market!

Have a suggestion for a farmers market to add? Post it in the comments!

So we present to you:

Be A Tourist In Your Own Town brought to you by the fine folks at the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau. Consider organizing one in your area!

About Be A Tourist In Your Own Town

Fifteen years ago, the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau created this event to increase community awareness of it's attractions and the tourism industry's impact on the area. So once again the doors are open for you to explore culture and creativity in mid-Michigan.

As Lansing celebrates its 150th anniversary, take this opportunity to enjoy attractions that highlight both Lansing’s unique history as well as its innovative and progressive future. This year they have included old favorites such as Impression 5 Science Center, Potter Park Zoo and the Michigan Historical Museum, and added new hot spots like the FRAG Center, MSU’s Breslin Center, WKAR Studios and taste the new “Capital City Sundae” ice cream flavor at the MSU Dairy Store. You can view a complete list of the participating places to go and things right here.

How it Works:

For only $1 you can purchase a “passport” which allows you FREE admission to more than 60 area attractions, local businesses, and special activities on May 30, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. **Ages 3 and under do not require a passport. Get from place to place with CATA. For only 50 cents you will receive a stamp which will allow you to ride the Be A Tourist routes for the rest of the day for no extra charge.

Check out a slideshow of the Lansing area from the Absolute Michigan Flickr pool!

Happy Memorial Day by lorainedicerbo

Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in Michigan and the weather forecasts around the state look to be favorable. Businesses in sleepy towns are waking up, and community plans for festivals and ongoing summer fun are taking shape after weathering it through an extended winter.  

Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the biggest travel holidays and this year will be no exception. With gas prices almost 40% lower than last year and MDOT halting road work for the holiday, travel is expected to be up this year. In fact according to AAA around 1.1 million travelers will be out on the road headed to and from their holiday destinations.  For many, this weekend is the first trip up north of the year and if you want to set up camp in one of our beautiful state parks there is still availability. Even if you are planning on sticking close to home for the holiday, we have found plenty of events happening all around Michigan.

Parades, Festivals, Reenactments and more!

Parades abound and if fudge is calling your name then head to Mackinaw City and honor our nation's Veterans at the biggest parade in Northern Michigan, the Mackinaw Memorial Parade. Held on Saturday, at 1:00pm this parade complete with floats, queen, and clowns is a family fun, must attend event. For events happening in your area please check with your local media outlets.

Step back in time and experience Civil War Remembrance at Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Become a part of living history as you travel through a microcosm of the American Civil War. Union and Confederate soldier re-enactors, civilians, musicians and historic presenters—all in period costume—are eager to immerse you in the life of this turbulent American era.

If your looking for something a little more cutting edge then check out Detroit's Electronic Music Festival or head to Marshall for the first weekend of their Renaissance Festival. You will find these events, other Memorial weekend events, and yet even more Michigan events happening throughout the year in the Absolute Michigan Calendar.

Since most of Michigan Memorial Day travel is done via the highways and byways why not check out a celebration of cars?  Northport hosts their 12th annual Cars in the Park on Saturday, with food, music, and prizes.  Manton combines their 14th annual Classic Car and Truck Show with a craft fair and in Frankenmuth visitors can enjoy a Ford classic car show featuring 125 vehicles, plus a gathering of hot air balloons.

Eat, Drink and be Grateful

For those who just want to kick back at home, support Michigan and grab your favorite bottle of Michigan wine, some fine Michigan made beer , stock up on the Faygo and fire up the grill. The Detroit News has a delicious looking recipe and basic grilling information in their article Grilled dishes add sizzle to Memorial Day weekend. For all you localvores we present Planked Great Lakes Whitefish with a Potato Chip and Parmesan Crust from Michigan-centric chef Eric Villegas. This recipe can easily be prepared on the grill and we recommend using Better Maid chips, Michigan cooking planks and any other ingredients the recipe calls for that you can purchase from Michigan based producers.

Another Villegas classic and a good Memorial Day twist would be to whip up Eric's Michigan White Shrimp & Smoked Whitefish "Gumbo" using Michigan white shrimp. Shrimp in Michigan? You better believe it! Russ Allen, after having transformed Belize and Ecuador from shrimp niche players to powerhouses returned to Michigan as a modern-day seafood equivalent of Johnny Appleseed and created an indoor shrimp farm in Okemos that is aiming to produce around 5 million pounds of shrimp per year.

Absolute Michigan Memorial Day Archives

Some articles worth revisiting on Absolute Michigan include one on poet Will Carleton's visit to Arlington Cemetery as well as Michigan's first Memorial Day from Michigan History Magazine. Also, do not miss the post about the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Detroit from Michigan in Pictures.

Lest We Forget by scherbis

Last and Certainly not Least...

A visit to Wikipedia for insight to what this day truly stands for and why we all should take a moment, step back from our grills and give pause says it all. It is a lengthy page and we are posting just a blurb so we invite you to head over for further information.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each gravesite at National Cemeteries. Many Americans also use Memorial Day to honor other family members who have died.

morel spring 2008 by baldo1man

When an avid morel mushroom hunter stands before 250 people recounting a time when he walked out of the woods wearing only his underwear, socks and shoes, giggles burst but people listen. Finding the elusive morel is no laughing matter, but to the attendees of the morel hunting lecture at the 49th National Annual Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, the entertainment was as delicious as the soup - seasoned with laughter and emboldened with rich enthusiasm.

After watching culinary guru John Sheets prepare a mouth-watering array of wild edibles, the crowd listened as native Anthony Williams recounted tales of his morel hunting lineage, sharing tricks and tips passed down through generations. Afterward, he shared a morel song accompanied by his wife, Robin Lee Berry. No one would walk away from Friday's festivities empty-handed.

Boyne City Sunset by rickrjw

What Boyne City offers this weekend is more than just words. Yesterday organizers and volunteers from the community accompanied four bus loads of hungry hunters, through private land, to search and pick as they will again today. Experts offered suggestions and visitors shared in the excitement of discovering their first morel. Not everyone walked away with something in their sack, but each person had the opportunity to inspect this elusive mushroom--some place other than their dinner plate or produce aisle. Immediately following, attendees were invited to celebrate at the Morelfest Wine and Dine, which featured an elegant five course morel-themed dinner with wine pairings. The evening ended with live music from blues artist Larry McCray on Lake Charlevoix.

Weekend events remain and there is still time to join in the fun! Saturday (May 16) offers another full day of activities, beginning with a morel breakfast, followed by a hunting competition; there will be a cooking demonstration by an award-winning chef; a craft-fair, where you can purchase morel inspired walking sticks, wood carvings, mesh morel-picking bags, jams, jellies and many other treats; a carnival to entertain the children or satisfy the inner-child, and another chance to experience great music with Twisted Finster. If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Boyne City, grab your family and friends and join in the fun!

...and just why was a morel hunter walking out of the woods in his underwear?

Apparently Tony had discovered "the mother lode" and, rather than leave them, utilized the remainder of his clothing to carry home the all the morels. Although he made no promises, with generous spirit and good humor he offered some of his secrets and instilled hope in a new generation of mushroom hunters.

Click for the all the details of the Boyne City Morel Festival or grab your Michigan map and head to Boyne City.

Pie eating contest by StormchaserMike Photography

Kim over at mLive posted about What foods make it a vacation? referencing Bon Apetit's United Plates of America that suggests:

• A slice of cherry pie from the Cherry Hut in Beulah
• A Bell's Porter from Bell's Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo, gold medal winner at last year's world beer cup.
• Hot crunchy cheese Chips from Better Made Snack Foods in Detroit.

Kim thinks you might want to check out the Cherry Bowl Drive-in too (retro-awesome) and wonders what foods you think make it a Michigan vacation. Post below or click over to mLive and let her know!

I'm going to add Leelanau raclette, Best Cheese in America 2008 to my list. And some great Michigan wine!

morel mushroom by Latitude 45

The Boyne City National Morel Mushroom Festival takes place May 14-17, 2009. This year is the 49th annual*, and the 4 day celebration of the morel mushroom includes a morel seminar and guided mushroom hunt on Friday and of course the Boyne Valley Lions National Mushroom Hunt on on Saturday (be sure to display your finds on the Mushroom Pole too!). In addition to the Taste of Morel event where you get to try all manner of morel dishes, there is a seminar on foraging & cooking with wild food guru John Sheets and another on hunting with local expert Tony Williams, concerts with Michigan Blues legend Larry McCray and others, there's a carnival, euchre & poker tournaments, zany car race and plenty of fun for kids.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the "Morel Taste of Boyne" featuring a Chef's Challenge along with the area's finest restaurants in the big tent on Saturday afternoon serving different morel dishes and also presenting morel cooking demonstrations. This is the largest morel cooking (and eating) event in the world!

You can grab your sweetie and get warmed up with The Mushroomers Waltz and if you're hungry,Lake Magazine has a recipe for morel & hazelnut soup that looks very simple but very tasty! Chef Eric Villegas of the TV show Fork in the Road offers a recipe for midwestern risotto of carnaroli and minnesota wild rice, morel mushrooms and white truffle oil that looks more complex but every bit as tasty.

MichiganMorels.com reminds you that you can eat any mushroom ... once. They offer tips to help keep you safe, but the biggest tip is to hunt with someone who knows what they're doing! Speaking of hunting, here's a video interview of morel expert Tom Nauman that gives you a couple useful tips for morel hunting.

If you can't attend the Mushroom Festival and can't get to any morel-filled woods, you can still get morels (and leeks and other tasty treasures) courtesy of Michigan-based Earthy Delights.

Visitors will want to visit the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce and/or try Absolute Michigan keyword "Boyne" for lodging and other information. I thought it was pretty funny that the best article online about the Boyne City Mushroom Festival is from a Pittsburgh, PA newspaper. It's from May of 2003 but has great background on the festival with a focus on the National Mushroom Hunting Championship. Check out Boyne City mushroom championship has no lack of morels.

* Next year the 50th annual takes place May 13 - 16, 2010 - they are seeking recipes for a commemorative cookbook, so send them if you have them!

Check Absolute Michigan keyword "syrup" for more maple syrup goodness!

Hamtramck's Pazcki Day page gives you all kinds of lore and legend on these traditional Polish doughnuts which are also known as Bismarcks or plain old jelly doughnuts. They explain:

Pączki is the plural form of the word pączek in Polish, but many English speakers use paczki as singular and paczkis as plural. A pączek is a deep-fried piece of dough shaped into a flattened sphere and filled with Plums or other sweet filling...

Pączki have been known in Poland at least since the Middle Ages. Jędrzej Kitowicz has described that during the reign of the August III under influence of French cooks who came to Poland at that time, pączki dough baked in Poland has been improved, so that pączki became lighter, spongier, and more resilient Pączki Day Traditionally, the reason for making paczki has been to use up all the lard, sugar and fruit in the house, which are forbidden during Lent.

I guess that if you're facing 40 days without sugar & fruit, a plateful of paczki makes a lot more sense. Dig in with the links below!

• The photo to the right comes from Wikipedia's Pączki entry.
• Forgot to buy your paczkis? Vina at recipezaar has an Authentic Polish Paczki recipe that she found handwritten in her Polish grandmother's cookbook!
• The Paczki Headquarters at the Hamtramck Star is packed with paczki goodness including photos of paczki as big as your head!
• Your Diet Is About To Meet It’s Nemesis (or why it’s called Fat Tuesday in Detroit) by Detroit Derek on Michigan in Pictures got this big ball of dough rolling!
• You can get even more photos at Flickr Hive Mind: Paczki
• There's a bunch more Pazcki Day info at Kitchen Chick including audio of the correct pronunciation of paczki and the story of  THE FAMOUS PACZKI THAT SAVED EUROPE!
• If you need a sound track to get going, head over to paczkiday.com.
• ArborWiki has a Paczki entry that includes a list of the best bakeries in Hamtramck.
• Absolute Michigan has more Hamtramck links for you to snack on.
  
• The Freep is supposed to be posting the results of their Paczki Limerick Contest this morning but haven't ... maybe they're in a food coma.
• What kid can resist Paczki Pals & Bobbleheads?

Sweet Treat by ( Jennifer )

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"
~Lucy Van Pelt (Peanuts)

While many of us count chocolate as a food group, there's no doubt that interest in "the 5th food group" peaks around Valentine's Day. Whether it's pairings of Wine & Chocolate, Beer & Chocolate or just plain Chocolate & More Chocolate, it's the time of year to celebrate the tastiest of health foods. It's more than just for Valentine's Day as researchers have found that chocolate benefits your mood too, and goodness knows we can all use a little boost here and there in February and March!

Because I would rather think about chocolate than work, I spent a little time digging around Absolute Michigan's chocolate collection to help you indulge your sweetie's - or your own - passion for chocolate.

I have to start with the chocolate I eat the most of: Grocer's Daughter Chocolate from Mimi Wheeler. I am lucky enough to manage her web site, and thereby to be the recipient of all kinds of tasty truffles and chocolate delights. While it may be too late to order for Valentine's Day this year, keep Mimi's Valentine's boxes in mind and visit her shop in Empire any time for some amazing handmade goodness.

Last weekend at the annual Taste the Passion wine tour, I met Patricia of Patricia's Chocolates in Grand Haven.  Her gorgeous artisan ganache and caramel chocolates (pictured right) have to be seen (and tasted) to be believed. You can view her selection and take my word that beyond flavors like Michigan Blueberry or Cherry and Hazelnut Cube are some chocolates that will take you to a whole new level like Saigon Cinnamon and perhaps the best chocolate I've ever had: Earl Grey Tea! You can read much more about Patricia in Patricia's Psychology of Chocolate from Rapid Growth.

There's a whole bunch more links waiting for you in Absolute Michigan's chocolate collection, and if you're still not full, check out the Chocolate slideshow from the Absolute Michigan pool (and feel free to add your own!)

Ginny, You Are My Shining Star by docksidepress

We have compiled an extensive list of Valentine's Day Events, Gift Ideas, Getaways & Dating Ideas, Giveaways and Parties for Singles, Couples & Kids. With Absolute Michigan's Mondo Valentine's Day Rundown you have no excuse in not charting out a stellar V-Day. Just scroll through this seemingly endless page of options and I think you will find something that tickles your fancy and hopefully that your significant other for this year and for those to come. On to the list....

Valentines Day Events Around Michigan

Brian Vander Ark
Valentines dinner and show packages! In conjunction with the special show Brian is doing, he teamed up with THE BOB in Grand Rapids to offer some package deals of dinner and show tickets. See the flyer HERE to get more info and the number to call.A Valentine's Day Celebration Of Love Songs with Brian Vander ArkWhen: February 14, 2009 - 8:30pmWhere: Grand Rapids Ballet Theatre (Wege Theatre) (341 Ellsworth Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI.)Tickets: $20 Reserved SeatingDescription: Brian Vander Ark performs in the beautiful Wege Theater. He will be performing love songs from his catalogue, and also classic love songs from the 60's and 70's. He'll also be taking online requests and dedications (via email). Joining him are his wife, Lux Land, Randy Sly on the grand piano and AJ Dunning from The Verve Pipe. This will be a great after dinner treat!Tickets are on sale now. Here's the link to the Ticketmaster page online: TICKETMASTER LINK People can also order by phone at 616.456.3333 or by coming in person to the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. - Visit Brian's website

LSO Pops: Broadway Romance
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
David Wiley, Guest Conductor
Christina Saffran Ashford, Soprano
Norman Large, Tenor
This Valentine's Day, join us in the Wharton Center for some of Broadway's finest love songs, including favorites from South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, The Music Man, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.
Click here to purchase tickets. - Visit their website

The Elixir of Love
Luscious. Humorous. Magical. Romantic. Donizetti’s charming and sentimental score spins a lighthearted vision of love, as the humble and young Nemorino pines for the breathtaking beauty Adina. His belief in the power of a magic love potion allows this tender comedy to become a gentle expose on romance, class and hope, all leading up to one of opera’s happiest endings. By Gaetano Donizetti. Sung in Italian with English Titles. Opera Grand Rapids, DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, (616) 742-6500 Devos Performance Hall

The Detroit Repertory Theatre's "RED NIGHT" BENEFIT - Celebrates the Drama, Passion, and Fun of the Color Red
On Saturday, February 14, 2009, the Detroit Repertory Theatre welcomes the public to an evening of drama, romance, a silent auction, champagne, and appetizers at the Board of Trustees' annual "RED NIGHT" benefit beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each, or $50 for two. All ticket buyers also get a chance at door prizes like chocolate, flowers and gift baskets by calling 313-868-1347 for RED NIGHT reservations. Proceeds from the evening will be used to support the Theatre's Guardian Fund. The Rep is located at 13103 Woodrow Wilson in the heart of Detroit, 48238. More information may be found at www.detroitreptheatre.com

My Folky Valentine at The Ark
What better time than Valentine's Day to explore how married couples make music together? "My Folky Valentine” is The Ark's annual celebration of romance! Each year we present a few of Michigan's top musical couples, in the round during Valentine's Day week. Your hosts, Annie and Rod Capps, have invited some of their most talented friends: Allison Downey and John Austin, the Milroys, J. Oscar and Lauran Bittinger, and Jan Krist and Alan Finkbeiner, to share the stage for an evening of grand collaboration and anything but love songs! . . . Okay, well, maybe a few love songs.

Tickets $15 Buy Online or Buy In Person

Detroit: All You Need is Love, Classic Mystery Tour
Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Fab Four's greatest hits; Penny Lane, I am the Walrus, Yesterday, and of course All You Need is Love. More than a just a rock show, this is a night of Beatles tunes sung, played and performed exactly as they were written. It's the best of the Beatles like you've never heard before: LIVE! - Visit their website

Heart Tugging Tunes
The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra will perform heart-tugging classics from Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" to "Unchained Melody" from the 1990 romantic drama "Ghost" during "Valentine Hearts." The concert, which will feature Grand Rapids guest vocalist Kathy Wagner and conductor John Varineau, is scheduled at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave. Tickets range from $10 (for students) to $40.

For more information, call 387-2300 or go to www.kalamazoosymphony.com

Breathe Owl Breathe Valentine's Day Concert
Join us for chocolates and a special concert on Valentine’s Day

Breathe Owl Breathe sounds as intimately familiar with woods and wild as their band name suggests, but there is an air of cosmopolitan sophistication, too. Micah Middaugh, Andréa Moreno-Beals, and Trevor Hobbs weave songs that are simultaneously playful and thoughtful, simple and intricate. Their layering of guitar, cello, banjo, drum set and harmonizing vocals, as well as some unusual musical uses of instruments and other found objects, results in a very creative and original sound. 8:00 pm. Tickets $12 Adults/ $5 Students available at Leelanau Books in Leland and Brilliant Books in Suttons Bay.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of Fine Arts group at Suttons Bay Schools and all proceeds go directly to fine art programs in the schools. Old Art Building

Unique Valentines Gifts

Michigan Wines for your Valentines
Valentine Wine Recommendations: Sparkling Wines - Go with anything; but especially diamonds and gold!! Or, just do the sparkling wine. Sparkling wines can be served before, during and after dinner.Michigan Wines

Basket Full of Gifts
Baskets Full of Gifts was founded in 1999 to fulfill the gift-giving needs of businesses and individuals throughout Northern Michigan. The company specializes in providing private and corporate gift solutions to:

• Celebrate holidays and weddings
• Thank employees, customers and business associates
• Commemorate birthdays, anniversaries and store openings

To order baskets call (888) 388-9404 or visit Baskets Full of Gfits

Speechless Chocolates
Alpena chocolatier Danielle Mulvena keeps winter in the Northern hinterland lively by dreaming up confections: Absinthe truffles; Medjool dates stuffed with sherry caramelized almonds and then coated in dark chocolate and smoked sea salt; tangy sweet strawberry balsamic caramels. Find her Speechless Chocolates online and in gourmet shops across the North.
For more information, please visit Speechless Chocolates

lil' Miss cupcake
lil' Miss Cupcake is bringing the Cupcake Craze to Grand Rapids, MI! lil' Miss Cupcake is dedicated to bringing you yummy homemade cupcakes that look fabulous and taste amazing! Let us do the work for your holidays, birthdays, bridal/baby showers, special events, or just because! We welcome you to experience happiness in every lil' bite with lil' Miss Cupcake! Please call 616.340.3496 or visit lil' Miss Cupcake

Patricia's Chocolates
Patricia’s Chocolate is an artisan selection of premier ganache chocolates and caramels. Handcrafted from only the finest domestic and imported French couverture cocoas in the commercial kitchen in her home in Grand Haven, Michigan, there are no artificial flavorings, additives, or preservatives in Patricia’s chocolates. For more information call 616.842.5999 or visit Patricia's Chocolates

The perfect Valentine: A love letter
Linda S Mah of the Kalamazoo Gazette gives tips on how to write your own love letter.
"If your love is incomparable, then perhaps your Valentine's Day sentiment should be, too. So you might want to pass up the Hallmark display and attempt a more singular expression of all the wonder, devotion and awe your loved one inspires in you.You might want to write a love letter." To read the rest of the article, click here The perfect Valentine

River of Glass
Elegant gifts of blown glass including ornaments, art platters and plates, bowls and vases, paper weights, and drinking glasses. Some pieces are the size of a shot glass while others are 3 feet tall. The gallery is open for buyers and browsers Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 6 pm and Sunday from noon until 5 pm. For more information call 586-954-4994 or visit www.river-of-glass.com/

Traverse City Central High School Choral-Aires
You can send your sweetheart something special this year by confessing your love through song. But don't worry, you aren't the one who has to do the singing. A quartet from the Traverse City Central High School Choral-Aires will do it for you. The valentine's will be delivered this Friday and Saturday. For $50 you get two songs, a truffle from Charles Layton Chocolates, a personalized card and a red rose and vase, all delivered in person. There is one stipulation, you do have to live within 15 miles of downtown Traverse City. If you live too far away or would like to spend a little less, for $10 you can get an E-Valentine. A video link attached to the e-mail will sing your sweetheart two songs. E-Valentines will be sent on the Valentine's Day. For more information call 231.590.1075.

Heart-shaped Valentine's Day Cakes
Bella Creamery

Great Harvest Bread Honey Bear
Great Harvest's Honey Bear, made out of whole wheat bread, is not sweet and that's the point. Many people don't like to receive gifts that are sweet and fattening for Valentine's Day. The bear satisfies that. The Honey Bear is only $7.95. For those who like chocolate, the bakery's Brownie Hearts, chocolate bread with dried cherries, is also popular for $8.50. - Visit their website

Stop & Kiss Card Game
Stop & Kiss, invented by Lynn Baldwin of Livonia, is a unique card game designed especially for couples. Celebrate your relationship. Connect with the one you love. Take time out of your busy lives to relive memorable moments and focus on your shared future. Stop & Kiss Card Game

Valentines Cards from Michigan Companies
Gallery 19 , Grand Rapids
Avanti Press , Detroit
Burke Design , Ontonagon
Veggie Cards , Ann Arbor

Create your own Valentine with Homemade Paper
We are your best source for all your handmade paper art and paper crafting needs. We are continually working to bring you the finest creative handmade paper, unique papers and crafting accessories you will find. Journal, notebooks, and crafting embellishments also available. Creative Papers Online, 738 Airport Blvd. Ste. 2, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 Toll-Free: 1-800-PAPER-40 (727-3740)

Make your Valentine's Card Stand Out with a Cloth Envelope
Our unique cloth envelopes are a new and exciting way to send your message. These colorful envelopes beg to be opened and will stand out even in a large stack of mail. Not only will they get opened but because of their beauty they will be saved to be seen by others. Made of durable cotton, they can even be reused. 5581 Trager Rd, Traverse City, 231-995-9515 Cloth Envelope

Enjoy a Gourmet Night In with A Personal Chef
The Original Wandering Gourmet Personal Chef Service, presents Michigan’s finest in fresh, home-cooked meals, ready when you are! The Original Wandering Gourmet will create your menu based on your tastes and dietary preferences; or simply link to our Menu page for quick selection ordering. On your scheduled cook day, The Original Wandering Gourmet will arrive at your home bringing all of the ingredients and equipment needed to prepare your meals. The Original Wandering Gourmet will travel anywhere within 50 miles of our office in Warren to cook for you at no additional charge. Special arrangements can be made for greater distances. Gift certificates available. For more information call 586.212.1599 or visit The Original Wandering Gourmet.

Romantic Valentine Getaways

Amway Grand Romance Plus Package
Romance Package Includes:

• Overnight accommodations for two in a Classic Guest Room featuring a plush Concierge bed with pillow top mattress, down pillows and cozy linen sheets for one relaxing evening
• Complimentary bottle of wine; choice of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel or Sparkling Wine
• One (1) $50 Food & Beverage Voucher
• Truffles
• Complimentary use of the Plaza Fitness Center
• Valet or Self parking
• Late check-out (2pm)

For more information call 1.800.253.3590 or Click here to make your reservations online. - Visit their website for more details

Valentine Lodge
Our Bed and Breakfast is a three-story Victorian situated on two acres of shady garden in a residential area within walking distance of Lake Michigan, a half mile from Douglas Beach and a mile from Oval Beach.
Call for reservations at (269) 857-4598 or visit Valentine Lodge

Country Hermitage Bed & Breakfast
Active couples who love getting out in the fresh air and enjoying Northern Michigan's winter wonderland will love the Country Hermitage Bed and Breakfast's ski and romance package. You'll enjoy two nights accommodations in the B&B's elegant rooms, a two-day rental of cross-country skis or snowshoes, a bottle of Chateau Chantal's sparkling wine, Celebrate, and two souvenir Country Hermitage B&B champagne flutes. Set out and explore the B&B's 400-acre cherry orchards, woodlands and adjoining golf courses on your cross-country skis or snowshoes. Or visit the many wildlife areas close by that have miles of trails for the novice or experienced skier/snowshoer. Want to go the extra mile for your Valentine? Add on one of the inn's special extras: an in-house massage, a bouquet of flowers or chocolates. Call 231-938-5930 for reservations.

Valentine's Weekend at Chateau Chantel
Chateau Chantal, Traverse City,
Tailor you stay with Chateau Chantal this Valentine's weekend or go for the gusto! Offerings include celebrating breakfast in bed Saturday morning, getting "naughty" as soon as you arrive, on-site side-by-side one hour massage and dinner at the Old Mission Tavern. Tailor your weekend a la carte or get it all for the special one in your life! For more information call 231-223-4110 or visit www.chateauchantal.com

Couples Retreat at Twin Gables Inn - Twin Gables Inn, Saugatuck
Juggling the demands of your busy lifestyle sometimes leaves little time for you and your partner to connect and spend some time together in a calming, restful and relaxing atmosphere. Twin Gables wildly successful all inclusive spa weekends has now been expanded to include you and your partner. You will receive the services of a professional massage therapist as well as experienced beauty professionals. Make the time for each other and immerse yourself in the indulgences that a weekend of pampering will provide. Your weekend package for rooms 5-11 - $375.00 and luxury rooms 1-4 and 12-14 - $450.00
For more information call 269-857-4346 or visit www.twingablesinn.com

Fun Valentine's Day Dating Ideas

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Downtown Grand Rapids
Go over the Grand River and through Ah-Nab-Awen Park as you view some of the architectural and scenic highlights of downtown Grand Rapids in one of our beautiful 19th Century Vis-a-vis white carriages. Sit back and enjoy a slower pace while viewing the lovely landscaping and fountains surrounding the Gerald Ford Museum and the Grand Rapid Public Museum. Hear the clip-clop of horse hoofs as you cross the lighted bridges over the Grand River.Reservations are recommended; cost varies. For more information call (616) 893-4984 or visit Grand Carriages

Murder Mystery Trains

1. Boards 1 hour before departure at 451 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI
2. Boards 1 hour before departure at Blissfield depot, 301 E. Adrian St., Blissfield, MI

Join us for a 5-course meal and 5-star service on the longest continuously-operating dinner train in North America. Our famous Murder Mystery Dinner Train features a leisurely 3-hour trip through the Michigan farmland while a comedic murder mystery unfolds tableside. You'll die laughing!

Reservations are REQUIRED and can generally be made up to 24-hours before departure. The train begins boarding approximately one hour before departure. Tickets are $69.95 per person, which does not include bar service or gratuity. Sorry, group discounts are NOT available for this event, since it falls on Valentine's Day.

Call 1-888-GO-RAIL-1 (888-467-2451) or visit Murder Mystery Train for more information and reservations.

Blast from the Past Prom Night - Hess Lake Rentals, Newaygo
Hess Lake Rentals is proud to present "Blast from the Past Prom Night." Girls, this is your chance to get your significant other to finally take you to the prom that you originally may have missed, step up the romance in your relationship or simply have a night away from it all with your old high school friends. What ever your situation, you definitely don't want to miss this fun time. Dress in 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s prom attire with your spouse, significant other, girlfriends, etc. There will be voting for prom King and Queen and Court, photo booth, DJ, dinner, dancing and much more! Accommodations are only a few miles from the fun at any Hess Lake Rentals-Wisner vacation home rental. For more information call 616-638-9384 or visit www.hesslakerentals.com

Cupid's Couples Course at Swiss Valley Ski Area - Swiss Valley Ski Area, Jones
Valentine’s Weekend is coming up and Saturday Swiss Valley will celebrate in style. Bring your date Saturday for 2 for 1 lift tickets and ski rental from 6:00PM-10:00PM. We will also have live music in the Chalet by Three Rivers local, Mark Higgins, and a dinner special for two! A Bloody Mary Bar, with all your favorite fixins is planned from 6:00-9:00PM. AND….We will have a Cupid’s Couples Course Challenge , connected couple compete through a obstacle for chances to win $100.00 , $50.00 and $25.00 Yesterday’s gift certificates. For more information call 269-244-5635 or visit www.skiswissvalley.com

Great Backyard Bird Count - Otis Sanctuary, Hastings
The Otis Sanctuary will be hosting activites on Saturday, February 14th, in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count. Activities include guided walks (8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), self guided hikes (all day),
discounted birdfood sales (while supplies last! Starts at 9:00 a.m.), and we'll be counting birds at our feeders! There will be hot drinks and snacks on hand, come on out and say hi! For more information call 269-948-5777 or visit www.otissanctuary.org

9th Annual Pink Ice Game
The K-Wings' Pink Ice Game versus Port Huron, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Wings Stadium. A local couple will be married during the game and there will be a four-course meal from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the game at The Icehouse Bar Grille. Tickets are $50 per couple and include the meal, a rose and an alcohol-free beverage. Reservations can be made by calling 345-1125, ext. 243, or 492-9319. www.wingsstadium.com

Valentine's Skate Date
Feb. 12, 6 to 8 p.m. at Millennium Park in Portage. It's $10 per person and includes skating, rental, a floral gift, a Spicy Pickle box lunch and sparkling grape juice. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 10. For more information, call 329-4522.

Non-Traditional Valentines Day Events

Valentine's Day Massacre 80th Anniversary - The West Michigan Connection
The Chicago St. Valentine’s Day Massacre 80th Anniversary - The West Michigan Connection
This year will be the 80th anniversary of one of the most notorious events in crime history – The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This incident has been recounted time and again in articles, books, television and the movies. On Saturday, February 14, the 80th anniversary, there will be special presentations, displays and more at The Old Jail Museum, 13 Walnut Street, Allegan, MI 49010 and The Griswold Auditorium, 401 Hubbard St Allegan, MI 49010. This special event is being brought to you by the Allegan County Historical Society. For more information call (269) 673-8292 or visit Allegan County Historical Society

ZOOROTICA: A Valentine’s Day to Remember!!
Tired of the same old dinner and a movie on Valentine’s Day? Do you want to surprise your special someone with a unique, exciting and educational experience that neither of you will ever forget? Then join Binder Park Zoo for a special “ZOOROTICA” tour and learn about the love lives of the scaly and slimy, the furry and fanged, and the feathered and flighted. Cost per couple is $50 and reservations must be made by February 10 by calling the zoo office Monday thru Friday- 8:30 am to 5 pm. Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, (269) 979-1351

STAR TREK Ultimate Wedding Package
POP THE QUESTION ON VALENTINE’S DAY IN ‘STAR TREK® THE EXHIBITION’ TO WIN A STAR TREK WEDDING AT THE DETROIT SCIENCE CENTER
Have you ever dreamed of getting married on the bridge of Star Trek’s U.S.S. Enterprise? This Valentine’s Day, visitors to STAR TREK THE EXHIBITION at the Detroit Science Center will have a chance to win this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Any couple who attends STAR TREK THE EXHIBITION and becomes engaged in the exhibit on Feb. 14, 2009 will be entered into an on-line contest to win a June wedding to be held in the exhibit. Couples will receive a complimentary photo in the exhibit, which will be posted on www.detroitsciencecenter.org from Feb. 16 – March 16, 2009, where site visitors will have an opportunity to vote on the couple they would like to see married in the exhibit. - Visit their website for details

Valentines Day Online Giveaways

The Valentine’s Day Anti-Recession E-Session Giveaway Contest

Epic Motion, a Michigan based wedding and event video production company, is giving an engagement session away for free.
"Email us if you’re interested AND if you meet the following criteria…

1. You are engaged to be married
2. You like to smile and laugh
3. You make a cute couple
4. You don’t mind spending an hour or two in the cold
5. You’re both pretty available the second week of February (hopefully the 11th or 13th) to film near Detroit
6. You’re tired of the recession already"

For more information, check out Wed Michigan's Valentines Day Giveaway

"In the spirit of the season... the romantic snowfalls, snuggling with your loved one, and of course, Valentine's Day, Wed Michigan is announcing it's first official giveaway! To enter, email me at wedmichigan@gmail.com with your engagement story by February 12th. Whether your story is romantic, funny, or didn't quite go as planned, Wed Michigan wants to hear them all. I will post my top three proposal picks and the winner will be announced on February 14th, Valentine's Day! "

Valentines Day Parties for Singles or Couples

Lover’s Lane
Come on down to New Holland Brewing Co. for their Lover's Lane party on February 14 from 8 pm to close! Make sure you are sending the right sign: wear red if you're taken; yellow if you're unsure and green if you're available. They will have rotating drink specials depending on what color you're wearing.
New Holland Brewing Co. Holland 616-355-6422 www.newhollandbrew.com

Ballroom Dance Valentine's Day Party
BALLROOM DANCERS - Singles and Couples Welcome to our Valentine's Day Party. Areas best place to Ballroom Dance. Voted Readers Choice Award 2008 for Favorite Place to Dance. Over 3,000 sq. ft hardwood dance floor. You are invited to our beautiful studio for an evening of dance. Celebrating our 19th Anniversary. Dress Code Required. $14.00 per person For more information call 269-383-4020 for reservations.

Bayside Travellers Dance Society Valentine's Dance,
4:30-6:30 p.m. fiddle jamboree; 7-7:45 p.m. Ceili dance workshop, 8-11 p.m. contra and square dancing, live music by Malarky, dances called and taught by Dan Gorno, $10 adults, $6 students with ID, $8 dance society members; Twin Lakes Park, Gilbert Lodge, 6800 N. Long Lake Road, TC; 313-2596. Bayside Travellers Dance Society

Valentines Day with the Kids

Valentine's Party
Jungle Joe's Family Fun Center, 7255 S. Sprinkle Road, Portage, 324-1992.

Heart-shaped pizzas
Papa Murphy's Take N Bake Pizza, Feb. 9-14. They are $6.99 for a large pepperoni pizza. www.papamurphys.com.

love from detroit by n.elle

The day for lovers, sweethearts and paramours is drawing close. Like it, love it, or hate it, Valentine's Day has become an annual tradition. Such a tradition, that according to the Greeting Card Association, over one billion valentines will be given out, and eighty five percent of those by women.

As you celebrate the holiday, consider making your day special with something from Michigan. There's plenty of delicious Valentine's Day recipes from Pure Michigan at Michigan.org. The Freep also offers up some culinary advice in their article "Whip up a romantic dinner with your sweetheart". The Detroit News has a V-Day food feature that puts forth the notion that 'chili peppers are one way to perk up your valentine's libido'. So if you like it spicy see "Put some sizzle behind the sentiment on Valentine's Day". Over at mlive.com you can check out "Valentine's Day is perfect for creating fun foods with kids".

Of course, if you're looking for something to compliment that tasty treat, consider the MDA's Wine Recommendations for that special day. According to the Wine Market Council and Merrill Research, a whopping 95 percent of wine drinkers agree that wine makes a perfect gift and 50% of both men and women said they would rather receive wine of Valentine’s Day, compared with 41% who preferred a box of chocolates. You can't go wrong with a Michigan wine!

Travel Michigan has put together a great selection of Romantic Escapes in Michigan. Their getaways and packages are perfect for couples who are looking to get away from it all (but not each other). While you're at it, be sure to check out the complete list of Winter Wine Festivals and check out the ones in early February that have a bit of a romantic angle.

If you're left scratching your head over what to buy him or her, be sure to check out WLNS.com for a Valentine's Day Gift Giving Guide for that perfect gift!

Don't forget the furry friends in your life, be a homeless pet's Valentine. WXYZ-TV 7 in Detroit is hosting their Annual Valentine's Day Telethon to support the Michigan Humane Society. Tune in or donate online!

Absolute Michigan's Mondo Valentine's Day Rundown
We have compiled an extensive list of Valentine's Day Events, Gift Ideas, Getaways & Dating Ideas, Giveaways and Parties for Singles, Couples & Kids. Check it out here!

If that's not enough and you really want to get your Valentine on, check out Absolute Michigan keyword Valentine for food & gift ideas.

For a little eye candy, you should check out the Valentine slideshow from the Absolute Michigan flickr pool!

We also have a large number of Michigan web sites to check out (though if we're missing one, be sure to add a link to it).

Flowers & Florists … say it with flowers

Chocolate … there's also candy companies

Candles … lighting the way for romance for thousands of years

Jewelry … silver & gold, platinum and bronze, pick your favorite.

Wow, you actually made it to the end of this post!
So relax, kick back, and watch one of Motown's finest, The Temptations, perform their hit song 'My Girl'. Definitely a Motown classic and a great song for Valentine's Day!

Michigan Cherries by jdurchen

Did you know that Michigan is the largest producer of Montmorency tart cherries, growing 70-75% of the crop? With February being National Cherry Month, it's only appropriate we celebrate Michigan's almost-official fruit!

The Cherry Marketing Institute has information available for educators and other folks regarding the history and present state of the cherry industry including growing research showing that antioxidants in tart cherries may relieve the pain of arthritis and gout & help fight cancer and heart disease.

For more tasty cherry info, be sure to check these out!

Michigan Cherries from Taste the Local Difference is PACKED  with all kinds of information and delicious cherry recipes.

Michigan Cherries from the Department of Agriculture

Cherry Marketing Institute

Absolute Michigan's Cherry Links

MSU's Michigan Cherry Information features more cherry information than you can shake a whole tree at!

For all things edible, drinkable and wearable, check out Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor

The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a celebration of cherries and the cherry industry held every year at the beginning of July.

Recipes from Chef Eric Villegas - Fork in the Road

Balaton Cherries Jubilee - The great French chef Auguste Escoffier has been held responsible for creating Cherries Jubilee in honor of Queen Victoria. Here's Eric's version with the "new" Balaton cherry…

Balaton Cherry & Michigan Maple Crisp - A unique combination of Michigan flavors…

Balaton Cherry Mojo - This sauce is great hot or cold on poultry, waterfowl, pork and veal

Grilled Grape Leaves Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Michigan Cherries - Grape Leaves and Goat Cheese on the grill

Michigan Steamed Brown Bread with Dried Cherries and Walnuts - This bread is a variation of the classic steamed brown bread of Boston

Michigan Tart Cherry Worcestershire Sauce - A great taste treat as a condiment with meat. In Show #110 it was served it with our Buffalo Hanger Steak.

And Now for Something Completely Different...
Neil Diamond, 'Cherry Cherry' (circa 1967), and I do hear the influence it had on the Michigan based band The Romantics and their song 'What I Like About You'.

We'll feature up another holiday gift idea later. Until then, here's a look at one holiday shopping destination, the converted Russell Industrial Center bazaar in Detroit...

The Big Bright Light Show by suesue2

Think Globally, Shop Locally with our Michigan Holiday Gift Guide, designed to help you find the perfect Michigan gifts online or off. Feel free to add your Michigan based gift suggestions in the comments section below!

Art, Books & Music
Fire Center Studio - Ishpeming, MI
Savu has owned Fire Center Studio in Ishpeming, Michigan since 1987. While her painting and illustration is done out of her studio, her work sells in galleries and gift stores throughout northern Michigan and the midwest. Her primary gallery retailer is Michigamme Moonshine Gallery in Michigamme, Michigan. Savu's 'Colours of Home' annual collectible calendar series is available at bookstores and gift shops throughout the midwest as well as on website.

Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Craft - East Lansing
Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Craft, a gallery of fine craft located in East Lansing, Michigan. Owners Tom and Linda Dufelmeier created a format for the Gallery that includes an exhibit space featuring individual artists in shows that last for approximately two months. The works of art are presented in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere allowing people from all backgrounds an opportunity to experience thought-provoking imagery by a single artist. The larger portion of the Gallery includes an eclectic selection of paper products, blown glass, jewelry, fiber, ceramics, garden accessories, fine woodworking, furniture, and lighting chosen for excellence in design and function.

Brian Vander Ark Music - Grand Rapids, MI
The lead singer of the Verve Pipe and author of the hit song "The Freshmen", Brian has just released his debut solo CD "Resurrection".

Fork in the Road by Eric Villegas
The new cookbook Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas (Huron River Press) is a companion to Chef Eric's award-winning national PBS cooking show of the same title. The 192-page, hard cover, book is filled with gorgeous food & other photography that sweeps you across the magical mitten, the great state of Michigan. From north to south and east to west Chef Villegas covers the great agricultural heritage of the state in his sumptuous recipes.

Pewabic Pottery - Detroit, MI
Pewabic Pottery is a living treasure and offers visitors an exciting glimpse of a little known part of American history. Founded in 1903 during the Arts & Crafts Movement, Pewabic is nationally renowned for its tile and pottery in unique glazes. Today it is a non profit ceramic art education center which welcomes 70,000 visitors annually.

Ducksicle - Detroit, MI
Detroit's only Chilled Poultry Rock quartet starring Tony, Helmut, Erica and the fantastischen Erik Jensen.

Elderly Instruments - Lansing, MI
The best music is the kind you make yourself and Michigan's largest instrument seller has a wide range of instruments and accessories for the accomplished or novice musician.

Heritage Guitar Inc. - Kalamazoo, MI
Heritage manufacturers Custom Carved Hollow Body Guitars, Semi Hollow Body Guitars, and Solid Body Guitars. This is to say nothing of the countless number of custom instruments made in each of the groups previously mentioned. Banjos, Mandolins, Flat Tops, and Basses, are no longer being produced because of the demand for the guitars mentioned in the above 3 categories.

From the Wine - Exploring Michigan Wineries
Get the only book that celebrates Michigan wine country, wines and winemakers with intriguing behind-the-scene stories, beautiful photographs and interesting side features (192 page, hard-cover book).

Harry Goldson - Suttons Bay, MI
Harry says that music is now more fun than ever, because now he is playing what he wants to play in a way he thinks it should sound, and what a sound it is! Harry's eighth album Flirtations is now available.

Earthwork Music
The Earthwork Music collective believes in the intrinsic and historical power of music to raise both community and self-awareness and serves to facilitate and encourage original music in the state of Michigan and beyond. Give Michigan music!

Glenn Wolff Studio - Traverse City, MI
Welcome to the Glenn Wolff Studio Store. The shelves are stocked with prints, original art, and music by Glenn and a few friends. Come on in and look around. We never close, and we are offering free shipping for the month of December.

Log Art Inc - Boyne City, MI
Welcome to Log Art Inc.'s Gallery which features samples of our line of fine-crafted rustic furniture and accessories. This sampling will give you a sense of the impeccable quality and craftsmanship that have come to be our trademark, "Lodge Look of Northern Michigan." Our design and building skills are of heirloom quality and the finest made in Michigan. We welcome custom orders and enjoy working with our clients to help build their dreams.

The Art of Karen M Smith - Lapeer, MI
Original paintings are available on this website, and listed for auction on Ebay. Many paintings available at Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer.

Michigan History for Kids Magazine - Lansing, MI
Michigan History for Kids is a colorful, award-winning magazine produced by the staff of Michigan History magazine. Written at a fourth-grade reading level, the topics align with those covered on the fifth-grade MEAP test. Designed to make history fun for young readers, each magazine is filled with interesting stories, activities and travel suggestions. Michigan History for Kids can be purchased as an individual, gift or classroom subscription.

Hollander's - Ann Arbor, MI
Since 1991, when the store first opened, Hollander's has become one of the leading and largest sources in the country for unique decorative papers and bookbinding supplies. It is also well known for its outstanding offerings in book and paper arts workshops. In addition, Hollander's has grown as a retail store, specializing in stationery items ranging from journals and photo albums to cards and unique gifts.

Nature's Way Woodworking - Alberta, MI
We design beautiful furniture and gifts made with rare birdseye maple wood. Our fine hand crafted items are locally made in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, by our very own wood turning and wood designer expert: Dave Stimac. One look at our quality wooden gifts and accessories will bring you back again and again to see what's new in our latest line of weather instruments, barometers, clocks, dining room sets and kitchen items. Each item is a one-of-a kind work of art that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Clothing & Jewelry
Yooper Steez - Marquette, MI
Steez: Style with ease! We believe everyone who lives in the U.P., or loves the U.P., should have a cool U.P. t-shirt. The way we see it, it doesn’t need words. Take the Nike logo for example, they don’t have “Just do it” under the swoosh. And the U.P. is the same. It has enough presence to stand on it’s own. In our opinion we expect people to recognize it, we shouldn’t have to tell them, they should know!

Aurora Borealis Designs - Leland, MI
Aurora Borealis Designs of Leland, Michigan hand crafts unique jewelry from beach glass, beach stones and silver.

Kathy Fagan Handbags - Okemos, MI
Welcome to Kathy Fagan Handbags—chic and charming bags for every occasion. Individually designed and handcrafted, each handbag exudes elegance and a touch of cheeky charm. Indulge in the chillier seasons' most crucial and decadent accessory, the fur handbag. Made from vintage and new fur pieces, each bag is one-of-a-kind—they are true collectors’ items.

baabaaZuzu - Lake Leelanau, MI
Hats, mittens, scarves, jackets, purses and bags, posy pins, christmas stockings and more are handcrafted in beautiful recycled wool... each a work of art.

BigLoveDetroit - Detroit, MI
BigLoveDetroit is all about givin' the Motor City some love. Our clothes are designed by local artists. We don't just slap any tired thing down and call it a day. We actually think. Even art snobs wear our stuff. By the way, a large portion of our profits are donated to Detroit-based charities. So what's wrong with a cool frock and helpin' out your neighbor? Nothing. Show your support by showin' some love.

Catherine Doll - Sawyer, MI
Located in the popular Harbor Country of southwest Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Catherine Doll is 80 miles from downtown Chicago. Sustainable fashion created from repurposed clothing - overdyed, pieced, crushed, tied, clamped, taken apart and put back together again. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.

Food, Dining & Drink
Zingerman's - Ann Arbor, MI
Send great food anywhere in America. Gift boxes of bread, cheese, pastry, olive oil, vinegar and more. You really can taste the difference.

Jampot - Eagle River, MI
Jampot is closed for the season. However, they currently have a full selection of jams,jellies, fruitcakes and truffles available for immediate shipping and the Christmas mail order season.

Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry - Dewitt, MI
Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry is a charming bakery cafe located in downtown DeWitt, Michigan. The vintage ambiance paired with delicious, old-fashioned food makes for a perfect dining or take-out experience. Our fare is created by infusing the best vintage recipes along with the latest taste sensations. All of our foods are homemade, made with only fresh and quality ingredients - no preservatives are ever added. We specialize in retro baked goods, but we have an amazing lunch and dinner menu as well. Simply put, everything we make is truly unique and yummy.

Vintage Michigan Club
Join the Vintage Michigan Club and discover Michigan's best-kept secret! Enjoy your favorite Michigan wines and reward yourself with special savings. With your lifetime membership you will receive these terrific benefits:

• Discounts at participating wineries, wine retailers, and restaurants across the state. View the list of participating businesses (PDF).
• Complimentary Michigan Wines Corkscrew or Etched Michigan Bottle Stopper.
• Michigan Wine Country magazine, an annual publication with maps to Michigan's wineries, interesting articles, and all the information you need to enjoy Michigan's wine country.
• Monthly email newsletter with the latest Michigan wine-related information.
• Discounts for selected Michigan wine festivals and events.

Cherry Republic - Glen Arbor & Traverse City, MI
Welcome to Cherry Republic, the land of Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie! Over 141 gourmet food products made from Michigan cherries to sample, purchase and send as gifts. Cherry Bakery, Cherry Winery, Cherry Cafe and Retail Store. Free gift-boxing.

Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company - Glen Arbor, MI
Leelanau Coffee Roasting has wonderful gifts for all of the special people in your life... Coffee beans! French Presses! Logo Mugs! Grinders! Leelanau Coffee sells all the exciting coffee accessories to make your coffee drinking a true "up north" experience. 2008 marks our Fifteenth Year, and we are proud of our heritage, and excited about the future!

Rafal Spice Company - Detroit, MI
Visiting Rafal's is like taking a world tour. You smell Rafal's before you see it. The spices waft through the air and lure you into the exotic world of spice import. Brightly labeled bottles, boxes, and bags, each containing an elixir to perk up any concoction, line the shelves. Glass jars are filled with every spice and herb imaginable, from adobo and asafetida to xanthan and za'atar. To the left of the spice area, canisters of teas and kegs of coffee beans lend their fragrances.

Higher Grounds Trading Company - Traverse City, MI
Roasting 100% Fair Trade and Organic Handcrafted Coffees. Check out our great coffee, gifts and gear this holiday season!

Rudy Baggs - Lansing, MI
Rudy Baggs Coffee Roasting Company roasts only world class Arabica coffee and specializes in weekly home delivery.

Pasty Central - Calumet, MI
Order Delicious U.P. Pasties and see why Pasty Central has become a primary starting point for many visitors to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Fresh from the U.P. to you! Great gifts!

Stone House Bread - Traverse City, MI
Our promise is the freshest bread in the North, made every morning with the finest organic flour—fragrant, crusty loaves with the sweet tang of sourdough. The baguettes and boules that emerge from our venerable Matador oven (built in Stuttgart when John Kennedy was president) will prompt memories of morning walks in Paris and Rome. We believe you'll say, with celebration: Now that's an honest loaf of bread!

Eden Foods - Clinton, MI
The finest locally grown and organic foods since 1968. Michigan organic beans, processed fruits and juices, pastas, whole grains, Edensoy, vegetable oils, vinegars, soy sauces, misos, snack mixes, teas, dried fruits, popcorn, etc. Buy on-line.

Grocers Daughter Chocolates - Empire, MI
Our artisan, hand-made chocolates and hand-dipped truffles are made with many locally grown/blended products such as herbs, spices, berries, spirits, coffees, teas and nuts. We use no artificial flavors or preservatives, and we buy locally when it is possible.

The Great American Pretzel Company - Howell, MI
At The Great American Pretzel Company® we make the best gourmet Chocolate Covered Pretzels in America. Our products are made using only the finest milk, dark and white chocolates, the freshest pretzels and highest quality ingredients. Our beautifully packaged, made-to-order pretzels make a perfectly decedent gift for someone special or an indulgent treat for oneself. 1-866-889-5778

Leelanau Peninsula Vinter's Association - Leelanau county
The mission of the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (LPVA) is to help spread the word about all the good things happening here in our corner of paradise. Our cool-climate, Michigan wines have been winning more national and international awards and praise each and every year. Leelanau County wines and vineyard tours make the perfect gift.

Pioneer Wine Trail - Southeast MI
Southeastern Michigan's Pioneer wine making region is a great place to spend a few hours...or a few days! The beautiful rolling Irish Hills, many lakes and Hidden Lake Gardens are right along the trail. Relax, savor our wines, stop for some antiquing and perhaps stay in one of the many Bed and Breakfast inns in the area.

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail - Southwest MI
Discover the world of wine in your own backyard by visiting our tasting rooms nestled among the rolling hills and inland lakes. We are a short ride from our harbor towns of New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven, and Saugatuck. Enjoy award winning Michigan wines as spectacular as our sunsets on the beach.

Home & Garden
Ciao Bella - Petoskey, MI
Garden and home products and services personally chosen to appeal to one's pursuit of the well-lived life, no matter how great your dream or how small our product.

Spa & Pampering
The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company - Canton, MI
The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company is a Michigan-based producer of top quality natural soap. All of our soaps are handcrafted, in small batches, using premium ingredients and exceptional quality control. No two soaps will ever be exactly alike. Great for gifts!

Little Black Book of Beauty - Detroit, MI
Looking for a new Michigan salon or spa? Or a great skin care provider or personal trainer? Or any other hair, make up and beauty related therapy? Our guide to beauty services will help you find whatever products and treatments you're after.

Two Bees Candles
100% Beeswax, all natural candles. Free of fragrances, chemicals, paraffin. Great Lakes area beeswax, with the natural aroma of honey from the hive.

Sports & Recreation
Old AuSable Fly Shop & Old AuSable Outdoors - Grayling, MI
Old AuSable Fly shop has Scott, St.Croix, Keystone & TFO Rods Ross, SA, TFO and Bailey Reels. Fish Pond, Pacific Fly, Logo shirts & hats, Dan Bailey Waders, Fly tying materials. Any gizmo or accessory you need! Old AuSable Outdoors is a full service fly fishing pro shop, a complete paddlesports center and a sundries shop with unique items including art, books and gifts with a Northern Michigan flair. We are located on the banks of the beautiful AuSable River.

Lee's Adventure Sports - Portage, MI
Lee's Adventure Sports is a family owned Southwest Michigan outdoor sports gear business that was started in December of 1954 by Bill and Evelyn Lee. Lee's is presently located at 311 West Kilgore Road and being run by Skip and Chris Lee, the next generation. We offer outdoor sports gear product mix of camping, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, skis, snowboards, xc skis, snowshoes, canoes, kayaks, footwear, travel gear, luggage and the clothing to do it all in. Performance and quality is in all of our products.

Bay de Noc Lure Company - Gladstone, MI
Ice fishing and saltwater fishing may not have much in common, but the fishing lures found at the Swedish Pimple website can be used for both ice fishing and saltwater fishing. Ideal lures for saltwater fishing include the Swedish Pimple, Swedish Pimple Ice, Do-Jigger, Laker Taker and the Flutter Laker Taker. On your next excursion, include some of our fishing lures in your saltwater fishing tackle. You'll be surprised at how many limit catches they produce.

Indian Country Sports - L'Anse - MI
Indian Country Sports is a family owned and operated retail sporting goods business located on the shores of Lake Superior in beautiful downtown L’Anse serving fishing, hunting, and outdoor enthusiasts since 1968.

Toys & Hobbies
Treehouse Toys & Books - Lansing, MI
Based on the belief that the right playthings give children a gateway to physical, emotional and cognitive development Treehouse Toys & Books provides toys and books in an atmosphere that is both active and interactive. Its unique aesthetic approach is vibrant yet warm, exciting yet comforting and exploratory yet safe. From rich colors and woods to low sightlines and custom fixtures the Brilliant Sky sensory experience is unlike any other.

Down to Earth Toys - Ortonville, MI
Why Down To Earth Toys? Over 90% of our toys are Made in USA! Offering top quality Wooden and Natural toys made in the USA.We feel that protecting your child, while also supporting America’s economy, are of utmost importance. Whether you are looking for baby toys made in USA, toddler toys, or outdoor toys… know that you have found a store who is dedicated to offering you toys that you will feel great about giving!

Enerdyne Science & Nature Store - Suttons Bay, MI
Gifts for all ages! Enerdyne's website exists to introduce you to our science and nature store and its products. We also provide interesting information about various science/nature topics. We'd love to have you stop in and visit Enerdyne for your gifting needs!

Drueke - Ludington, MI
The Drueke Company is America's oldest manufacturer of traditional board games. The chess boards and chess accessories that we offer are second-to-none. Our reputation for quality chess sets inspired us to produce a variety of classic games for our customers to enjoy. Our product line includes action games, backgammon, cribbage, dominos, checkers, game boxes, chess tables and wooden accessories.

Snowball Ready! by Odalaigh

11 AM already?? Who forgot to set the alarm?

Apparently the newspaper biz did, somewhere around 1997. The Center for Michigan's Phil Power writes that while they aren't shedding jobs at quite the pace of the auto industry, Michigan newspapers are having their own problems. As they shrink, he wonders Who will tell the people?

Over at mLive, Susan Demas wonders when the national media will stop getting their info from Robocop & Roger and Me and start looking at ... you know ... facts and junk. WKAR's weekly Off the Record program noted that and you should definitely take a little time to watch their take on the auto bailout and what the next few weeks might hold.

One thing the next few weeks will hold is the return of Antonio McDyess to the Detroit Pistons on December 3rd. While you won't be able to see him on Friday, you might want to head down to the Palace for their Guys Night Out this Friday. While the University of Michigan has had about their worst season in history, there was some bright news yesterday with the signing of two four-star prospects. They are Oklahoma Defensive tackle Pearlie Graves and Florida safety  Vladimir Emilien who remarked "I love Michigan and my heart was just there ever since I visited them earlier this year."

If you love Michigan, the latest podcast from the new site Greening of the Great Lakes will let you know why it's important to buy local for Thanksgiving. For a little help with your shopping list, check out Absolute Michigan's A Very Michigan Thanksgiving.

Finally, the Weather Underground reports that Alpena has already set a daily maximum rainfall mark of .55 inches for November 25! Take the rest of the day off!